Derby Cathedral Photos
Recommended Reviews - Derby Cathedral
Start your review...
6 years ago
Derby Cathedral stands at 65 meters tall located on Iron Gate in Derby city centre, it is a short walk away from the city's main shops and restaurants. It is a Grade I listed building, designated in 1952. It was built between 1530 and 725 before becoming a Cathedral in 1927, with a recent renovation between 2015 and 2016. A pretty minor Cathedral, which isn't overly impressive other than the clock tower. Nothing too outstanding and while it is impressive as with any Cathedral, it lacks that special unique feeling with it being too minor or ordinary. I do feel the lighting could be better to make it stand out more at night, which they seem to have stopped? 2* read more
Derby has (apparently) the smallest Cathedral in the Church of England. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm and interest, as this former parish church has plenty to see. For most of its 1,000 year life, All Saints has been the main parish church of the city. Although the first on the site was founded by King Edmund in 943 AD as a royal collegiate church, nothing remains from this period, and it is unclear whether it was this or a later church which was rebuilt in the 14th century. This mediaeval church was roughly the same size as the present building. It had a square West Tower, which was pulled down and rebuilt between 1510-30 in the Perpendicular Gothic style, and which has been a distinctive landmark ever since. At nearly 200ft tall, until elevated to cathedral status it was the second highest parish church tower after that in Boston, Lincolnshire. It contains ten bells, all over 300 years old and one over 500 years old. It is clear that this mediaeval church was richly endowed, but at the Reformation the College was dissolved and the church became the responsibility of the town. But from the middle of the 17th century the church slowly fell into decline until, in 1723, the Vicar, one Dr Michael Hutchison, took matters into his own hands and began its demolition one night! Thus forced, the town accepted its responsibilities and work on a new church, to the plans of James Gibbs (designer of St Martin-in-the-Fields) began. Gibbs delivered a large and airy church of classical design, with a nave and matching wide aisles under a arched roof supported on classical columns. The 16th century tower and porch were incorporated into the design, and numerous furnishings and memorials were restored from the earlier building. One of the most notable new fittings, however, was a very fine wrought-iron screen, partly gilded, across the full width of the church, by a local iron-smith, Robert Bakewell. This the church continued its life as a parish church until, in 1884, Derbyshire became (with Nottinghamshire) part of the new Diocese of Southwell, to take account of the growing industrial population of the area. In 1889 a suffragan Bishop was appointed as Bishop of Derby, which was elevated to a full diocese in its own right in 1927, with All Saints as the Cathedral. To cope with its new role, plans were made to extend the church to the east, although this was not completed until 1965, to the designs of Sebastian Comper, son of the famous Sir Ninian Comper. Today, one enters via the west porch under the old tower, which provides a fine landmark for this part of the city centre. Immediately you are struck by the spaciousness and light of the church, which is painted entirely in white inside, . The two other features that catch the eye are the huge classical baldicchino over the altar (also dating from 1965), and the startlingly vivid blue and yellow stained glass in the only two coloured windows, in the north and south aisles. These are by Ceri Richards, and depict in abstract fashion the themes of All Saints and All Souls. The monuments are splendid: in the south aisle is an unusual wooden effigy of a cleric, possibly Robert Johnson, who was Sub-dean in 1527. Beyond this is the most famous monument, to Elizabeth Talbot, Countess of Shrewsbury (1527-1608), better known as Bess of Hardwick. It is a huge classical edifice in black and white marble, with a coloured life-sized effigy of Bess herself (she is buried in a vault beneath). This astonishing woman began her career as a gentlewoman servant, but through four successive marriages became one of the wealthiest (and most respected) women in England. Her life is the subject of a small exhibition adjacent to her memorial. She was responsible, amongst other things, for the great stately homes at Hardwick Hall and Chatsworth House, and her six surviving children became the forbears of the distinguished Cavendish family. Many of these are buried in the vault below. They include Henry Cavendish (1731-1810), who discovered hydrogen and calculated the weight of the earth to within 1% of the figure accepted today. An astounding scientist by any measure, he was also renowned as being painfully shy - as a result of which, many of his discoveries were unrecognised until the late 19th century. Across the nave in the north aisle is a very fine alabaster monument to John Lawe, another SubDean of the 15th century (we don't know when he died as they omitted to include the date in the space provided for it!). Other items of interest include a Consistory Court, dating from 1643 a canopied chair from which the Archdeacon would conduct ecclesiastical legal affairs. The Chancel is relatively unadorned beyond the altar and canopy, but is flooded with light. The cathedral has a coffee shop and gift shop opposite in Iron Gate. read more
9 years ago
The Cathedral of All Saints (known as Derby Cathedral) is one of the smallest in England, with Leicester and Birmingham cathedrals. Visiting is free of charge, naturally, and the church will be open to visitors during the day. Photography is also allowed, and free. The church is located at the heart of the so-called "cathedral district" - no surprises there - but be aware that it is quite a walk away from the train station, less so from the main bus depot. This is a small but very nice church which looks quite impressive on the outside and is rather stylish inside, although there are no spectacular artworks or artefacts to be found here (except maybe the grave slab of the famous painter Joseph Wright of Derby, whose works you can find a-plenty at the warmly recommended local art gallery, which is less than a 10 minute walk from this place - and some impressive metalwork). However, the cathedral exudes a warm and comforting atmosphere that will certainly appeal to regular church-goers. Staff are very nice and forthcoming, too. See my photos for reference. read more
18 years ago
The original church was founded by King Edmund I in about 943 as a royal collegiate church; however, there is no trace of its existence today. The current cathedral dates from the fourteenth century, although it appears to be based on an earlier medieval building, which drawings show was about the same size as the present church. It may be that it became structurally unstable and was pulled down. The tower dates from 1510 to 1530 and was built in the popular perpendicular gothic style of the time. The rest of the building was rebuilt in a classical stype to the designs of James Gibbs of 1725. read more
15 years ago
Was very lucky to have a your of the tower, we got to see the bells ringing, the room where the bells used to be rung and the view from the top of the tower was amazing. It's very exhausting getting to the top as it is 198 steps but you do stop twice on the way up to catch your breath and have a rest. Looking round the cathedral was brilliant as well, there is just so much history there was you just have to take a moment to take it in. read more
18 years ago
derby cathedral is very old ,you can go up to the top and get really nice views of derby from here.
18 years ago
A stunning place to visit, the inside of the church is beutifully decorated and plaques are lined on the cathederal walls.
More info about Derby Cathedral
18 Iron Gate
Derby DE1 3GP
United Kingdom
Directions
Visit Website
http://www.derbycathedral.org
Hours
What time does Derby Cathedral open?
What time does Derby Cathedral close?
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
1 review that is not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
15 years ago
How often do people do the sponsored abseil down the Cathedral, We would love to do it? Apart from the extreme fundraisers Derby Cathedral is one of the most beautiful buildings in Derby, It stands proud and dominates the Cities skyline. It's an amazing view from the top as well (Stunning on a clear day!), all except the hideous Westfield Cube, which is the Cathedrals absolute opposite, appearing grey and boring and unfortunately dominating the other side of the Cities Skyline. If it wasn't for the Cathedrals wonderful architecture keeping balance with beauty, Derby's skyline would be awful! read more















