Derby: Christ Church
Overview
Grid reference: SK 351 356
The body of the church is externally absolutely plain, having seven wide lancet windows within chamfered surrounds in each side wall. The staircases to the galleries are within small projections flanking the tower. At each corner of the nave is a square clasping buttress crowned by a foliated pinnacle.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
The church has reversed orientation, the chancel being at the west end; Liturgical points are used throughout this record. West tower and spire, flanked by staircases to the galleries, rectangular nave with galleries on three sides; apsidal chancel with north organ chamber and spacious vestry beyond, and a small store-room on the south.
Dimensions:
The body of the church is 85ft. long and 50ft. wide.
Description of Archaeology and History
By Matthew Habershon (1789-1852), built 1839-40. In the following year Habershon also built the Town Hall of Derby. The cost of this church was £3,500, and it was built in memory of Bishop Ryder of Lichfield (1824-1836).
Exterior Description
The body of the church is externally absolutely plain, having seven wide lancet windows within chamfered surrounds in each side wall. The staircases to the galleries are within small projections flanking the tower. At each corner of the nave is a square clasping buttress crowned by a foliated pinnacle.
The west tower and spire form the most carefully detailed part of the exterior and make a considerable impression in the townscape. The tower is only half embraced by the nave west wall, and thus stands forward towards the street.
The roof structure of the nave is low-pitched, the principal rafters exposed and supported on curved brackets which rest on moulded stone corbels between the windows.
Interior
Interior Description
The ground floor has been altered considerably to conform with later practice. The box pews have been replaced by long pine pews, while the pulpit and lectern are placed each side of the chancel arch, with the font at the back of the church under the gallery. There are no features in the narrow passage aisles save for some plain wall tablets of local interest, and the panelling which indicates the height of the former box-pews. The chancel arch, of four-centred construction, is outlined with the text 'Holy , Holy , Holy , Lord God Almighty' on a painted scroll.
The shallow chancel is said to be of 1865, but might easily he of the same date as the nave since the features are very similar. Each of the walls of the semi-hexagonal apse has a single lancet light, containing grisaille backgrounds upn which are the symbols of the evangelists and the sacred monogram IHS. On the noth side is the organ within a chamber displaying a front of uninteresting unecased pipes. The chamber also opens to the nave through an arch at gallery level. A door by the organ leads to the vestry.
Fixtures and fittings
Font (object)
The Font is an octagonal design, moulded on the base, stem and bowl and made of a composite material.
Font (component)
The cover, of oak, is stained dark and has quatrefoils and other stylised motifs in panels and an attractive finial.
Pulpit
1873
The Pulpit was given in 1873 (brass inscription plate) and is of oak, stained dark. It has open arcaded sides and stands on short colonettes.
Lectern
1882
The Lectern given in 1882 (brass plate) is a wooden eagle on a turned pedestal.
Organ (object)
The organ is a two-manual instrument with 22 speaking stops.
Clock
1865
The Clock in the tower by John Smith.
Rail
The altar rail has pleasant wrought-iron supports.
Churchyard
Grid reference: SK 351 356
Burial and War Grave Information
It is unknown whether the building is consecrated.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has been used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has war graves.
National Heritage record for England designations
There are no records of National Heritage assets within the curtilage of this site.
Environment
Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
There are no records of Ancient, Veteran or Notable Trees within the curtilage of this site.
Renewables
| Renewable | Installed |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | N/A |
| Solar Thermal Panels | N/A |
| Biomass | N/A |
| Wind Turbine | N/A |
| Air Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ev Charging | N/A |
Species summary
There are no records of species within the curtilage of this site.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
'Seek advice' Species
More information on species and action to be taken upon discovery.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
Further information
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