The accidental breakdown of a carriage in 1777, the growth of Methodism in England
and the expanding population during the nineteenth century saw church building,
for a variety of denominations, take off in Matlock and Matlock Bath. Not all
the churches or chapels remain today and some buildings have changed their
use.
The churches and chapels are discussed under the following sub
headings (click the heading to navigate).
Unless the place of worship was present in the district
before the beginning of WW2 there is no information here as this
is not intended to be a list of current religious establishments.
|
 Churches & Chapels in
Matlock |
Matlock's Churches in Kelly's Directory, 1891[1891]
Denomination/Name/Minister
C of E: St. Giles' Parish Church, Matlock Town, Rev. James William
Kewley, rector
C of E: All Saints' Church, Matlock Bank, Rev. Adam Lowe, M.A., vicar
C of E Mission Rooms, Starkholmes
Catholic Church of Our Lady & St. Demas: Matlock Bank, served
from St. Mary's, Derby
Society of Friends' Meeting House: Matlock Bank
Congregational: Matlock Bank, Rev. Valentine Ward, minister
Primitive Methodist: Matlock Bank, Rev. J. Dodson, minister
Primitive Methodist: Starkholmes, ministers various
United Methodist Free Church: Matlock Bridge, ministers various
United Methodist Free Church: Riber, ministers various
Wesleyan Methodist: Matlock Bank, Rev. Wm. Robinson, minister
|
| St. Giles' Church |
St. Giles' was the Parish Church for the whole of Matlock
and Matlock Bath for many centuries - until the churches
of All Saints on Matlock Bank and Holy Trinity in Matlock Bath
were built to meet the needs of the expanding population.
|
The church is in Matlock Town (Old Matlock). An 1848
Directory described St. Giles' church: "seated on
a high rock, thickly planted, [it] is a neat building"[1848].
Considerably altered during the nineteenth century, it
has a West Tower built in the Perpendicular style and a
Norman font which was hidden in the Rectory gardens for
many years; the font was discovered in the nineteenth century
by the Rector, W. R. Melville[3].
Francis White's Directory of 1862 records that "a
small organ was erected in 1844"[1862].
There is some lovely stained glass. The chancel's east window,
given in memory of the Bailey family, was filled with modern
glass in 1969; the design was by Mr. Lawrence Lee, A.R.C.A.[2] Another
window, which was erected by Lady Paxton in 1859 and dedicated
to the memory of her mother, is mentioned in several old
books. There are also some old tombs inside the church, including
an altar tomb with an alabaster top under the west window.
It is the tomb of Anthony Wolley of Riber[2].
 About
Riber |
|
Photograph of St Giles' Church and part of the Churchyard
© Ann Andrews |
J. Charles Cox, who wrote about the church in 1877, pointed out
that the Domesday Survey did not
mention a church at Matlock, though the fragments of Norman masonry
outside the Church tower certainly indicate the existence of a
church in the Norman period[3].
Whilst "the patronage or advowson of the rectories [of Matlock
and Darley] appears to have been bestowed at an early date on the
Dean of Lincoln", Cox had failed to find any deeds at Lincoln
that related to the church at Matlock.
What is known is that King Henry I, who reigned 1100-1135, gave
Wirksworth a church and Cox says that it is probable Matlock's
church "was built and presented in the reign of his successor
Stephen", who reigned 1135-1154, as some of the masonry found
(specifically, two capitals of pillars) points to these dates[3].
The rectory of Matlock was valued at £10 in 1291, when the
Taxation Roll of Pope Nicholas IV was compiled[3].
Cox goes on to say that the account of the Dean of Lincoln's Derbyshire
possessions, drawn up in 1310, mentions the church "as being
in the Dean's patronage, but owing no pensions or dues to the Dean
and Chapter"[3].
In 1925 W. N. Statham suggested this was probably because the Parish
was in the diocese of Lichfield[4].
Photograph of St Giles' Church in Old Matlock © Ann Andrews
Writing about 1869, John Hicklin describes St. Giles as "an
old embattled structure, having an ancient tower with pinnacles
whimsically sculptured with grotesque gurgoyles [sic]. The
interior consists of a nave, aisles, and chancel; the roof is arched,
and covered with paintings, consisting of the four Evangelists
and other scriptural and allegorical subjects"[5].
Five years earlier Francis White had said that the "ceiling
is ornamented with rude paintings"[1862].
The church has been altered and rebuilt on several occasions in
its history (see Matlock
Old Church, 1870). It was enlarged to commemorate Queen Victoria's
Diamond Jubilee in 1897-8 so it could accommodate about 140 more
people. The architect at that time was Percy H Currey of Derby
and the work was undertaken by local tradesmen. The sum of £1000
was raised to pay for it all and the foundation stone laid at a
ceremony performed by the Ven. Archdeacon of Derby[6].
The churchyard has been enlarged too, in 1897 and 1919[1932].
Almost a century before Pigot had commented that "in many
places the graves are cut out of solid rock"[1829].
|
| All
Saints' Church |
Vicars have included[10]
Rev. Adam Lowe MA (Kelly's 1887).
Rev. James Bartlett Hyde B.A.
(Kelly's 1916 & 1925.
His son's name is on the
War Memorial)
Rev. William Henry Nixon MA, T.D. (Kelly's 1932.
In 1941 he was also the rural Dean)
Rev. W.W.H. Nash | Rev. John M. Carr
Rev. T.N.V.C. Rose Price
Rev. R. Davidson | Rev. B. Coleman
Rev. J. Goldsmith | Rev. I. Mitchell |
|
|
As Matlock's population grew in the middle
of the nineteenth century, and Matlock Bank had developed
as a thriving community, there was a need for another church
on the Bank. Rev. Adam Lowe, who had previously been
at Alport, raised funds for the church and building began
on Smedley Street in 1882. All Saints', just along the road
from Smedley's Hydro, was built of local stone and was finally
opened for Easter 1884 with sittings for 300 persons[8].
The church was not consecrated at the time, though was opened for
public worship by special license. The building work remained unfinished as the
chancel and half the nave had been built, but the west end was built up until
more funds became available[9].
Some £3000 had already been spent although only half the sum had been raised.
The church was finally consecrated on 17 September 1884
by the Bishop of Southwell. The local press described
is as a plain but very substantial building "on an
eminence of about 800 feet - a beacon for a wide distance".
Shortly afterwards it was announced that the Lichfield Diocesan
Church Extension Society had donated a further £250, part
of £400 to be paid, to the funds that had already been raised,
almost all from local people[9].
On 6th April 1886 Queen Victoria, who was at Osborne House
on the Isle of Wight at the time, signed the Order in Council
- and the boundaries of the new parish were clearly defined.
By 1903 Bryan commented that the building had already cost £5,000[8].
The architects, who did not see their design ever completely
built, were T. H. and F. Healey.
Gifts to the church included a stained glass window, dated
1905, designed by Morris and Co. and the oak communion table
and panelling in the sanctuary were erected in 1927, in memory
of Adam Lowe who had done so much for the parish. A Lady
chapel, commemorating those who had been killed in the First
World War, was added in 1926[1932].
The photograph on the left was taken in early September. This
view is of the newer west end which was added to slightly extend
and complete the church in the late 1950's.
The registers date from 1886, when ecclesiastical parish was formed, and
are held at the Derbyshire Record Office[7].
Biography
of Adam Lowe
Names from the inscriptions at All Saints' are included in
Memorial
Inscriptions - a Surnames Index
There have been no burials at the church.
A book, A
History of All Saints', by Ian Mitchell, is available
to purchase from the church
All
Saints' Church web site |
|
| Matlock Congregational Church |
The first Congregational Chapel was founded
on Matlock Green in 1842, with sittings for 200. The Congregationalists
later built a chapel on Chesterfield Road, at the corner
of Smedley Street, that had sittings for 500 people. It became
the principal chapel, and the two shared a minister[8].
A Northampton architect, W. Hull, was responsible for the design of the Chesterfield
Road chapel. It cost about £2500, mostly given by church members. Three of the
Stevens family donated £760, paying for the ground, the gallery, the tower and
the spire. One Samuel Morley, who did not live locally, also made a sizeable
donation[11].
The foundation stone of the new church was laid on 4 May 1865
by James Sidebottom of Manchester, another generous donor, and
the opening services took place on 6 June, 1866. The church had
been built in the Gothic style and had a tower and a spire. In
common with several other Matlock churches it was described as
being "on an eminence, commanding a beautiful and extensive
prospect". There was a large stained glass window, underneath
which was inscribed "Presented by Mrs. Hannah Cowen, 1866,
in memory of beloved friends"[11].
There was a carved oak pulpit and the Sunday-school children gave
a Bible and Hymn book. At one end there was a gallery, supported
by iron pillars. The building was "heated with hot air" and
lit by chandeliers. It was registered for marriages on 20 August
1867[11].
A Sunday school was built at the junction of Smedley Street and
Chesterfield Road, following an appeal for funds in 1901[8].
The roof caught fire on 23 August 1969 and the church had to be
demolished, at a cost of £450. The schoolroom was registered
for solemnizing marriages on 18 March 1971 and the certification
granted to the former church was cancelled at the same time. On
3 September 1971 the small Sanctuary was re-dedicated for Worship[12].
On 5 Oct 1972 the Congregational Church and the United Reformed
Church merged. In November 1990 the Congregationalist and United
Reformed worshippers finally vacated the site. They linked with
the Trinity Methodist Church on Bank Road to become the Matlock
Methodist and United Reformed Church (see below).
The memorials were also moved to the Trinity Methodist site, some
moving for the second time. The War Memorial transferred to St.
Giles. The former schoolroom building is still used as a place
of worship.
|
| Farley Hill Congregational
Church |
|
Farley Hillside Congregational Church on Smedley Street
West replaced an earlier chapel, The foundation stone was
laid by Rev. J. B. Paton on 30th November 1901. The Chapel
opened in 1902 and had seating for 300 people. It was registered
for solemnizing marriages on the 27 December, 1904[12].
The photograph, right, was taken not long before the church
was demolished and two houses were built on the plot. Memorials
in the church were removed to other sites.
A Register is held at the Derbyshire Record Office[7].
Farley
Hill Congregational Church
A few baptisms 1904 -1905
Two marriages, 1905 - 1906
Memorial Inscriptions
Surnames Index
|
|
Photograph of Farley Congregational Church
Copyright © Paul Kettle |
|
| St. Joseph's (dedicated
to the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph) |
Roman Catholics in Matlock celebrated mass
in a house on Holt Lane from 1880 until their church was
built. St. Joseph's, on Bank Road, was constructed of local
stone and built by William Askew in late 1882 and early 1883.
The foundation stone for the new church, designed in the
Gothic style, was laid on Saturday 23 September 1882 by the
Bishop of Nottingham, the Right Reverend Dr. Bagshaw, assisted
by Canon McKenna of Derby and others. At the time it was
estimated that it would cost about £2,000 and would seat
300 people[13].
A presbytery was added in 1896 following the purchase of
more land. The chapel, on the north side, has a stained glass
window depicting the Crucifixion. In 1903 Benjamin Bryan[8]
described the Matlock church as a "mission"
which was initially under St. Mary's, Derby. The church was
originally dedicated to The Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph[1887],
it briefly became Our Lady & St. Demas[1891] but
by 1895 it had been renamed at Our Lady and St. Joseph[1895].
The chapel, "being a building certified according to law
as a place of meeting for religious worship", was registered
for solemnizing marriages on the 29th May 1901[12].
The Rev. George Leroy was the first (known) priest in charge and
he worked in Matlock from a little before 1895 until his death
in 1920, aged 62. During the First World War Leroy, who was a Belgian
by birth, worked extremely hard to help Belgian refugees.
|
| Matlock
Methodist and United Reformed Church, Bank Road |
This stone built church, on a sloping site on Bank Road, dates from
1882. Shortly after it opened the annual meeting of stewards and
officers of the Wesleyan Circuit was held in the chapel. Their first
business was to receive the newly appointed superintendent, the Rev.
_ Higham. On 13th August, 1884, the Chapel was registered for solemnizing
marriages, replacing the Wesleyan Chapel, Matlock Bridge as that
chapel was no longer used for worship[12].
The church was built without a steeple and the tower and porch
were added eighteen years later. The original architect was C.
O. Ellison of Liverpool and Horace G. Bradley designed the later
additions. The building, which has schoolrooms
underneath, has been extended in recent years.
Originally known as the Matlock Wesleyan Chapel, it then became the Trinity Methodist
Church. Since 1990, when it combined with the United Reformed (formerly
Congregational) Church on Chesterfield Road, it has been called
the Matlock Methodist and United Reformed Church.
|
| United Methodist Church,
Imperial Road |
The former church in Imperial
Road, next to what was the Town Hall bowling green, has not
been used for religious purposes for quite a long time. It
is now known as the Imperial Rooms and used as a community
centre.
The church was registered for for solemnizing marriages
from 3/4 May 1912 until 22 February 1966 when the registration
was cancelled[12].
The Derbyshire Record Office hold various records, including
registers, magazines, minute books and miscellaneous papers
and the Marriage Registers, 1913-64. Baptisms, 1841-1900,
are held by the Derbyshire Ancestral Research Group.
How
to contact the DARG
Ministers have included:
Rev. William H. Wheeldon (Kelly 1912);
Rev. J. W. Bleathman (Kelly
1916);
Rev. J. W. Jordan (Kelly 1932);
Rev. W. H. Parker (Kelly 1941)
Memorial Inscriptions
Surnames Index |
|
Photograph of The Imperial Rooms
Copyright © Paul Kettle |
|
| Primitive Methodist Churches
and Chapels |
The first Primitive Methodist Church to
be built in Matlock was situated on Bank Road, just below
the junction with Smedley Street and opposite to Smedley's
Hydro boiler house. It was founded in 1838 and rebuilt in
1865 by John Wildgoose. It had been designed by James Kerridge
of Wisbech. On 19 January, 1875 the church was registered
for solemnizing marriages[12]. The
Sunday school, which is on the right of the church (see photo,
right), was added in 1878. The Sunday school building has
now been converted for residential use.
Another Primitive Methodist Chapel was erected on Matlock
Moor in 1903 and this is still in use; the foundation stone
for this church was laid by George G. Blackwell, a Liverpool
merchant.
Blackwell's name is also on the foundation
stone at Starkholmes, which was erected in 1905 and
was built in memory of Luke William Fox. It seems to have
replaced an earlier chapel at Ward's End, shown the
1891 census and on mid to late nineteenth century maps.
On the 21st February 1944
the Fox Memorial Chapel at Starkholmes was registered for
solemnizing marriages but on 17 January 1995 the Registrar
General cancelled the registration as the church was no longer
used as places of worship[12].
The building, opposite the Village Hall, has been converted
into two homes. |
|
 |
In 1895 the minister at the Matlock Bank Church was
Rev. A. L. Humphries. The superintendent minister served several
churches that came under the Matlock Primitive Methodist Circuit,
as is shown in the extracts from Kelly's Directory below:
Bank Road Primitive Methodist
Starkholmes Primitive Methodist
(Fox Memorial Chapel, later
Starkholmes Methodist)
Matlock Moor Primitive Methodist
Hackney Primitive Methodist*
*being built in 1912 |
|
{ 1912
{ 1916
{ 1925
{ 1932
{ 1941 |
|
- R. J. Harriman Taylor M.A.
- Rev. John Bradbury
- Rev. Thomas B. Heward, supt.
- Rev. Thomas Greener Gardner, supt.
- Rev. John William Swarbrick, MA, B.D. |
|
| St. John's Chapel |
Mrs. Louisa Harris of The Rocks endowed
this small chapel in memory of some of her relatives. It
is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. It was built using
a mixture of stone and brick and is on Cliff Road, between
Cliff House and "The
Rocks", so overlooks Matlock Dale and Artists' Corner.
The renowned architect of the Arts and Crafts style Sir
Guy Dawber, whose parents lived locally, designed the chapel
in the 14th century Gothic style. St. John's was the only
place of worship that he designed. The chapel has a really
pretty oriel window and a small bell turret. The subject
of the stained glass in the four lights of the east window
is water; the chapel was built over a stream. The project
was announced in August 1896[14] and
the building was completed in 1897. It could seat 80 people.
Also
see "Just" Images: Matlock Dale - there's another
postcard of St. Johns (scroll down)
Onsite
biography of Sir Guy Dawber
Have
a look at Friends of Friendless Churches (external
link) |
|
Image of St. John's is
reproduced here with the kind permission
of the late Frank Clay
See Frank Clay, artist elsewhere
within
The Andrews Pages |
|
| Other Places of Worship |
- Wesleyan Chapel, Matlock Bridge.
Kelly's Directory of 1848 records that "a neat Wesleyan chapel
was built here in 1840, at a cost of £300"[1848].
Mid and late nineteenth century maps show the chapel as being on
Snitterton Road, part of the way up the hill. It also shows up in
both
the 1861 census and the
1881 census.
In 1859 the chapel was fitted with gas lamps: "On Sunday last
two sermons were preached at the above chapel - that in the morning
by Mr. Joseph Hodgkinson of Matlock Bath ; and that in the evening
by Mr. Jno. Marriott of Matlock Bridge. Collections were made on
the occasion towards defraying the expences incurred in the necessary
fitting required for lighting up the chapel with gas ...[15]".
The chapel was registered for solemnizing marriages on the 7th day
of July, 1873. When the Wesleyan Chapel on Bank-road was certified
as a place of religious worship, in September 1884, the Snitterton
Road chapel was no longer used for worship[12] although
the building was listed as the Free Methodist Chapel, Matlock Bridge
a few years later,[1887] after
which it disappeared from the records.
See Kingdom Hall, below in this section.
- Society of Friends Meeting House, Matlock Bank
Quaker meetings took place in Matlock from the 1720s. The Quaker
Meeting House used to be on the north side Jackson Road, on what
is today the corner of Jackson Tor Road; it is first listed in
trade directories in 1881 and then from 1887 onwards to 1908 |
1912 | 1916.
The building is now a private house.
Early emigrants to the United States included members of the Bowne
family. Whilst their religious leanings are unknown before they emigrated
(baptisms were at the parish church, for example), John Bowne, of
Long Island, became a Quaker.
 See Bowne,
John
Recusant
Fines, 1681-2 (nobody was fined for being a Quaker).
- Christadelphinian Meeting Room, Smedley Street Central
Christadelphinian is from the Greek for Brethren in Christ. The
sect first appears in Matlock Directories in Kelly 1908,
then in 1912 | 1916 ...
1941.
- Plymouth Brethren
Their assemblies took place in their meeting room on Jackson Road
(Kelly 1932, 1941[1932/41])
- Smedley's United Methodist
Free Church, Smedley's Hydro
- Kingdom Hall
The Jehovah's Witnesses had previously converted two older buildings
in Matlock for worship before moving into their purpose built
new premises on Matlock Bank in recent years. On 16th February
1957 they were certified to worship at Horseshoe Yard, Matlock
Green, Matlock; this was cancelled on 22 April 1975 as Kingdom
Hall had moved to 31 Snitterton Road and was registered for
solemnising marriages there on 13th February 1975[12].
They took over a building that had been been used as a laundry
for a long time (Heather? Laundry), but had previously been a chapel.
The new building on Bank Road was certified for worship and registered
for solemnising marriages in lieu of Kingdom Hall, 31 Snitterton
Road on 11 February 2008[12].
Planning permission was granted in early 2008 to convert the Snitterton
Road property into flats[16].
See Wesleyan Chapel, Matlock Bridge, above in this section.
- Gospel Meeting Room, Tram Depot[1925]
|
| Churches & Chapels
in Matlock Bath |
Matlock Bath's Churches in Kelly's Directory,
1891[1891]
Denomination/Name/Minister
C of E: Holy Trinity Church, Rev. Charles Baker, vicar
Scarthin Mission Church
Congregational: Rev. Frank Robert Bellamy, minister
Primitive Methodist: Scarthin, ministers various
Primitive Methodist: Scarthin row, ministers various
Primitive Methodist: Mission Room, ministers various
Wesleyan: Derwent Parade, Rev. Alfred John Silcox, minister
Wesleyan: Scarthin, ministers various
|
| Holy Trinity Church |
Opened in October 1842, the church is stone built in a cruciform
shape with a tall spire and is in the gothic style. It is situated
beside the road to Cromford between what was then the Old Bath
and the New Bath. Designed by Weightman and Hadfield, it cost £2,250
to build and the living was a perpetual curacy. The Archdeacon
of Derby, Ven Walter Shirley, laid the foundation stone on 9 June
1841 and the Bishop
of Hereford, acting for the Bishop of Lichfield, consecrated the
church on Tuesday 4th October 1842[17].
The church is unusual in that it not oriented
east to west, because of the limitations of the site, but
is aligned almost north to south on the tufa shelf, with
the altar pointing southwards.
Francis White described the interior in 1862. "The
transept, and down each side of the body are neatly pewed,
to seat 300 persons, while the centre is fitted up with comfortable
benches, as free sittings, for 150. A capacious font, of
elegant design, carved out of gritstone, stands near the
western entrance"[1862].
T. E. Streatfield made some alterations in 1873/4 when the
chancel, with a new reredos, was extended. In recent times
there has been both refurbishment and changes to the interior.
George Withers Saxton (1798-1862), the proprietor of the
Old Bath Hotel, took a leading role in ensuring that a church
was built in the village and he was instrumental in raising
voluntary contributions towards the building costs. There
is a marble tablet over the north door of the nave honouring
Mr. Saxton's hard work for the parish.
The
MI is onsite.
Edward Beaumont was a generous contributor - he resided at
Mr. Saxton's Hotel. |
|
From : "Black's Guide to Derbyshire" (1888), A & C Black,
Edinburgh |
|
Before this time the parish church was at Matlock - St.
Giles' Church - which was approximately two miles away, and
the only other religious establishment in the village was
the Glenorchy (Congregational) Chapel.
See St. Giles
Church
See Glenorchy
(Congregational) Chapel.
Matlock Bath had expanded considerably and the new church
would have met the needs of the growing population.
In 1857 the trustees were Rev. Phillip Gell, Rev. H. W.
Plumtre, Rev. W. C. Wilson, Rev. Archdeacon Thomas Hill and
Robert Ramsden Esq.[1857]
The stone built Parsonage House was erected in 1847, costing
£1,600 which was raised by subscriptions, a grant from the
Ecclesiastical Commissioners of £521 and the Lichfield Church
Extension Society gave £200.
In 1899 a gift of land to the south east meant the churchyard
could be extended.
Ministers have
included
Rev. W. G. Barker | Rev. Edward Synge
Rev. J. M. Maynard - see
MI
Rev. Charles Evans
Rev. Walter Webb Woodhouse
Rev. Raymond P. Pelly
Rev. Edward Latham - see
MI
Rev. Charles Baker -
see MI
Rev. William Asquith
Rev. Edward J. M. Davies
Rev. Clement Thomas Walker
Rev. Alfred Phibbs | Rev. William G. Lee
Rev. Norman B. Johnson
Rev. L. E. Waghorn | Rev. H. E. Brown
Rev. James Song
Rev. H. Collard P in C
See
the inscriptions taken from the boards inside the church for
more information |
|
The parish register for Holy Trinity Church dates from 1843
and some of the registers are held at the Derbyshire Record
Office[7]
How
to Contact Derbyshire Record Office
There are a small number of extracts from the PR on this
web site:
Matlock
Bath Holy Trinity Banns, from 1846
Matlock
Bath Holy Trinity Burials, 1845-1866, a selection of
Holy Trinity Memorials and Inscriptions are on site:
MIs in
the churchyard
MIs in
the church
If you want to find the grave see
Finding
the Churchyard Inscriptions
Also see the
Surnames Index
for the whole of Matlock
Although Matlock St Giles was the parish church for Matlock
Bath before Holy Trinity was built, Matlock Bath people also
used Wirksworth and Bonsall churches and it is advisable to
check those registers. There are several MI's for Matlock
and Matlock Bath residents in Bonsall St. James churchyard,
and a few in Crich and Youlgreave.
Derbyshire
Family History Society have published transcripts of the
memorial inscriptions for Holy Trinity and other local churches
(available on microfiche).
More
about Bonsall
See
Images of Matlock and Matlock Bath for more pictures, including
a stereo view image that was labelled as Matlock, but is clearly
Holy Trinity. |
|
| Scarthin Mission Church |
The Rev. Walter W. Woodward, vicar of Matlock Bath, had discovered
that the people who lived at Scarthin "because
of distance and their habits, were practically cut off from the
ministrations of the Church of England[18]".
He appealed to the gentry for "assistance
to build a free church entirely for the poor, and to be entirely
free and unappropriated[18]".
The church spent several months assessing the hamlet's response
to the idea by holding a twice weekly service in the Temperance
Hall.
The foundation stone was laid on Wednesday 5 August 1868 by Mrs.
Charles Clarke of Matlock. "Underneath the stone was deposited
a hermetically sealed glass vessel containing several local papers
and a very few small coins[18]".
It also included a parchment describing the event and naming Mrs.
Clarke, the vicar, architect, builders and Robert Chadwick and
Edward Greenhough, who were the churchwardens of Holy Trinity.
The architect was Mr. John A. Whyatt of Manchester, who also designed
Matlock Bath's Royal Hotel. He described the design as being Early
English style (15th century). It was expected to cost 1.300l. [£1,300],
including the cost of the land. The building was irregular
in form because of the site's shape, with a nave, hexagonal chancel,
a north transept and minister's vestry and had "hot-water
apparatus" underneath. There was a bell turret over the
entrance and a slated porch; it was designed to seat 200 people
although at the stone laying it was said there were to be 150 seats, "all
free". Inside there were stained and varnished
open benches for the congregation to sit on.
The builders were James and Joseph Walker of Wirksworth[18].
The Mission Church or chapel of ease was linked to Holy Trinity
Church (Church of England) and the vicar officiated at the services
held here, the first of which was held on 8 April 1869. There was
a memorial in the church to one of the vicars.
See
MI for Rev. Edward Latham (1834-83).
The building, at the end of Water Lane on the road towards Bonsall
and opposite the old flour mill, is no longer a church - it is
used as a garage.
Also
see Memorial Inscriptions Surnames Index (foundation stone)
|
| Glenorchy (Congregational)
Independent Chapel |
Matlock Bath's Independent Chapel was demolished for road widening
in 1965, but was just to the south of Masson Mill, between the
river Derwent and the road. The foundation stone was rescued
from the demolitionists and is now built into the wall of the
drive to Masson House.
The building dated from 1777 and was originally
a chapel for about 300 people, with a private residence attached.
It was built by Mr. Samuel Need
of Nottingham, Sir Richard Arkwright's partner
. An infant school
was attached to the chapel[1848];
this was for Sunday scholars and was held in a large room[1862].
Francis White described the building as a "plain
brick edifice"[1862].
The story of how it became the chapel for
the Independents is an interesting one. In 1784 Willielma,
Viscountess Glenorchy, who a deeply religious lady, was passing
through the Bath when her carriage broke down and needed to
be repaired. Whilst she was waiting Lady Glenorchy enquired
about places of worship in the locality. Finding there was
nowhere she considered suitable, she decided to buy the chapel
and its house from Arkwright as a place for the Independents
to worship. It is said that she intended to live in the house,
but she died not long afterwards and is buried in Edinburgh.
However, she left the property to Reverend Jonathan Scott
who became the minister. It later became the property of the
Wilson family.
See
Biography of Willielma, Viscountess Glenorchy (Campbell)
Stuart Flint writes that Middleton-by-Wirksworth's Congregational
Church was built in 1786 under the supervision of Reverend
Jonathan Scott when Scott was the minister at Matlock
Bath[19].
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Heather King, a church member in Exmouth, has told me that Lady
Glenorchy founded several churches. The original chapel in Exmouth
was set up in 1777, and this is depicted on the church's old Sunday
School banner! She also set up chapels in Edinburgh, Carlisle,
and Workington, Cumberland; after her death another chapel was
set up in Bristol in her memory. It appears that the Exmouth and
Matlock chapels were the only ones known as "Glenorchy".
Glenorchy Exmouth is the only survivor, though the building isn't
the original one, and now has a membership of over 100. They celebrated
their 225 anniversary during the first weekend of October 2002.
Marriages took place at the Independent Chapel for over 100 years
as it was registered for solemnizing marriages from the 3 October
1837 until 29 August 1951 when the registry was formally cancelled
because the Chapel was "no longer used as a Place of Meeting
for religious worship"[12].
Post 1837 marriages at the Independent Chapel give the address
for the church at "Independent Chapel, Matlock" on marriage
certificates; to avoid confusion about this readers should understand
that there was no Independent Chapel in the town of Matlock itself
and "Independent Chapel, Matlock" marriages took place
at Glenorchy.
There were no burials at Glenorchy - you can see from the photograph
above that the building was next to the road and on the other side
was the River Derwent. So burials for Glenorchy worshippers took
place elsewhere. For example, two of the ministers and others who
worshipped at the church were buried at and commemorated on memorials
at Holy Trinity Church.
Ministers
have included
Rev. Joseph Whitehead - 1790
Rev. Jonathan Scott - 1794
Rev. John Wilson - 1807
Rev. R. Littler - 1831
Rev. Mr. Perkins - 1841 (Gem of the Peak)
Rev. T. M. Newnes
Rev. W. Tiler, pastor (White's 1857 & 1862);
Rev. Frank Robert Bellamy
(1864-1906) - see MI;
Rev. Enoch Doughty Solomon
(1907-1913) - see MI;
Rev. John Charles Easterbrook[20];
Rev. E. Tongue[21]:
Rev W. Smart (Kelly 1932 & 1942) |
The following refers to the anniversary celebrations
for Rev. Easterbrook, the pastor, in 1917:
"On Monday a public celebration was held in the Schoolroom,
and Mr. S. Sprinthall, the veteran of the denomination,
who presided, said how glad they all were to witness the
residence there of their beloved Pastor, the Rev. J. C.
Easterbrook. He looked back over a long term of years'
connection with that church, ...[20]"
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There used to be a memorial
in the chapel commemorating those who died in WW1.
There is a transcipt on this web site
The Derbyshire Record Office now holds the church record
book (1864 - 1972).
How
to Contact Derbyshire Record Office
Baptisms,
1785-1836 are onsite.
These
are held by the DARG - see their contact details
The
Society of Genealogists also have copies of these records.
Further reading for those interested in Lady Glenorchy:
Jones, T. S. D.D. (1822) The Life of ... Willielma, Viscountess
Glenorchy, Edinburgh.
Thompson, D. P. (1967) "Lady Glenorchy and her Churches:
the story of two hundred years, etc." [see British
Library Catalogue][16]
Dictionary of National Biography, Volume 3 - look under
Campbell, Willielma, Viscountess Glenorchy (1741 - 1786). |
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| Wesleyan Methodist Church
- Derwent Terrace and Scarthin Nick |
The stone built Chapel on Derwent Terrace, North Parade, opened on
13 February, 1867. The new building had been designed by Henry
Fuller of Manchester. Prior to this time the Wesleyans had worshipped
in an upper room of a house on Museum Parade.
A glowing account of the opening appeared in the local press:
"We have the gratification of recording the first of a series
of religious services appointed to celebrate the completion and
dedication of a tasteful and capacious Wesleyan Chapel, which has
been erected in Matlock Bath, standing in the midst of scenery
which is celebrated all the world over for its unrivalled loveliness
and grandeur. On Wednesday last, Mr. Rattenbury, from London, preached
twice in the is chapel. The weather was most propitious for the
occasion. ... We must say a word about the chapel, which is most
capacious, cheerful and comfortable. The roof is tastefully decorated,
and the internal fittings are very neat and elegant. The building,
which is adorned by a tower and a spire, is in the centre of the
Derwent Parade, and in perfect harmony with its beautiful and romantic
surroundings. The edifice altogether is an honour to the Matlock
people ... The proceeds of the collection and tea, which followed
the services, amounted to about 35l[22].
On 19 July 1974 the Chapel's marriage registration was cancelled
as the building was no longer used as a place of worship; it had
been first registered for marriages on 17 June 1869[12].
After it ceased to be used for worship the building became a furniture
store.
The ministers served both the Derwent Terrace and the Scarthin Nick
church. Kelly's 1890 Directory says that the Scarthin Nick church
was enlarged in 1840, but built 'many years since'. However, White's
1852 Directory of Sheffield and District gives the date as 1810.
The Derwent Terrace church is in the middle of this picture.
See
Images of Matlock and Matlock Bath as you can view a larger
version |
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Ministers have
included
Frederick Hunter (Kelly's 1887)
Rev. George D. Mason, supt.,
Rev. Mark Davenport, supernumerary
(Kelly 1916),
see MI;
Rev. Ebenezer Webster MA
(Kelly 1925);
Rev. E. Trounsan, & at Scarthin
(Kelly 1932);
Rev. A. B. Jones (Kelly's 1941) |
The Derbyshire Record Office now holds the registers, collection
of journals, minute books and miscellaneous papers (1906-74)
and the marriage register (1938-63)[7].
Strays lists
some Matlock Bath residents who were baptized here. |
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| Primitive Methodist, Scarthin
Row |
Both Kelly's and White's Directory state that this brick built Primitive
Methodist Church was built in 1853. Ministers have included: Rev.
J. Harryman Taylor MA (Kelly's Dir., 1916)
See
White's Cromford Directory
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Researched, provided by and © Ann
Andrews Intended for personal use only
GUKUTILS: Places of Worship Database on
Google Map is a new on-line resource.
Matlock
Churches have been covered by Rosemary Lockie. Rosemary's
page shows the churches and chapels within Matlock and Matlock
Bath.
References:
[1] "The Victoria History of the
English Counties. A History of Derbyshire Vol.II", p.
39
[2] "Matlock Parish Church, Derbyshire"
(1969) Pictorial Guide and Souvenir, The Church Publishers, Ramsgate
[3] Cox, J. Charles (1877), "Notes
on the Churches of Derbyshire, Vol. II "pub. Chesterfield:
Palmer and Edmunds, London: Bemrose and Sons, 10 Paternoster
Buildings; and Derby
[4] Statham, W. N., (1925) "History
of Matlock Parish Church", printed by Geo. Hodgkinson,
pp.5-7
[5] Hicklin,
John, "Bemroses' Guide to Matlock, Bakewell, Chatsworth,
Haddon Hall, &c"., Third Edition, pub Bemrose and
Sons, London - no date, but about 1869. Quotation with the very
kind permission and help of Sonia Addis Smith
[6] "The Derby Mercury",
Wednesday, 8 September, 1897. Enlargement of the Parish Church
[7] "A Guide to the Holdings
of the Church of England Registers in the Derbyshire Record Office",
ISBN 0901761 16 8 pub. Derbyshire Education Department © Derbyshire
County Council (1994, and later dates). See How
to contact the Derbyshire Record Office
[8] Bryan, Benjamin (1903) "History
of Matlock - Matlock, Manor and Parish" London by Bemrose
& Sons, Limited
[9] Consecration of All Saints' from "The
Derby Mercury", Wednesday, 24 September, 1884. Details
of additional funding from "The Derby Mercury",
Wednesday, 1 October, 1884
[10] The last seven names extracted from
Mitchell, Ian (2000) "A History of All Saints' Church Matlock
Bank (1876-2000)", pub. All Saints' PCC
[11] Several reports from "The
Sheffield & Rotherham
Independent": 6 May, 1865; 8 June, 1866; 9 June, 1866;
24 Aug 1867.
[12] "The London Gazette"
[13] "The Derby Mercury",
Wednesday, 27 September, 1882
[14] "The Derby Mercury",
Wednesday, 5 August, 1896
[15] "The Derby Mercury",
Wednesday, 2 March, 1859
[16] With thanks to Rosemary Lockie for
sharing some of her own research. See GUKUTILS: Places of Worship on Google Map
[17] Laying the foundation stone was reported
in "The Derby Mercury", Wednesday, 16 June, 1841
and the consecration and first services were announced in "The
Derby Mercury", 28 September, 1842
[18] "The Derby
Mercury", Wednesday, 12 August, 1868, "Laying the
Foundation Stone of a New Church at Scarthin"
[19] Middleton Congregational Church was
built in 1786 by Lead Miners, among them Stuart's own kinsmen of
Flint. It was initially thought that the Middleton Church was
founded in 1776. However, Stuart's more recent research has found
the later date although Middleton made a Solemn Covenant to found
Middleton Independent Church in 1776/7.
[20] Rev. Easterbrook "The High
Peak News", 21 April 1917. Also see Kelly's
Directory 1916. Easterbrook went to India in 1920 and died of
smallpox ("The Times", Thursday, 9 Mar, 1922) which
his wife also caught. He had the distinction of flying in a Handley-Page
and celebrating the first marriage ceremony over Indian air space
in 1920.
[21] Tongue resigned the pastorate in 1926: "The
Times", Friday, 26 Feb, 1926
[22] "The Derby Mercury",
Wednesday, 20 February, 1867
[1829] Pigot and Co.'s National Commercial
Directory, for 1828-9, pub. London and Manchester**
[1848] "The Post Office Directory
of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Rutlandshire" (1848)
Kelly and Co., London**
[1857] White, Francis (1857) "History, Gazetteer and Directory
of the County of Derby", Francis White & Co**
[1862] "General Commercial Directory
and Topography of the Borough of Sheffield with all the Towns,
Parishes, Villages and Hamlets Within a Circuit of Twenty Miles" pub.
Francis White & Co. Sheffield (1862)**
[1887] "Kelly's Directory of
Derbyshire" (1887), pub. London.
St. Joseph's, the churches of the Primitive Methodists, Congregationalists
and Wesleyans, as well as the Society of Friends' Meeting House,
were all described as "commodious structures".
[1891] "Kelly's Directory of the
Counties of Derby, Notts, Leicester and Rutland" (May,
1891), pub. London**
[1895] "Kelly's Directory of the
Counties of Derby, Notts, Leicester and Rutland" (1895),
pub. London
[1925] "Kelly's Directory of the
Counties of Derbyshire" (1932), pub. London
[1932] "Kelly's Directory of the
Counties of Derbyshire" (1932), pub. London
[1941] "Kelly's Directory of the
Counties of Derbyshire" (1941), pub. London
**There are on site transcripts: 19th
century directories
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Matlock
Churches
Photo
of St. Joseph's (1)
Photo
of St. Joseph's (2)
View
a photograph of the church
