Derby In Pictures

Derby Cathedral, traditionally known as the church of All Saints was begun in the 14^th century on the site of a much older, pre-conquest, church. Nothing now remains of that building. The tower was replaced with the fabulous edifice seen today – the second highest church tower in England, between 1510 and 1530.

The remainder of the church had fallen into disrepair by the early years of the 18^th century and so the vicar, Michael Hutchinson, had it demolished, fortunately sparing the tower.

The renowned architect James Gibbs was commissioned to provide the replacement. The interior he created is a beautifully light and airy space, so unlike most other buildings of this type. Inside are a number of glorious monuments, many dedicated to members of the Cavendish family of Chatsworth fame.

In 1927, with the population expanding in the area All Saints was hallowed, becoming Derby Cathedral on 28^th October. An extension was planned to better equip it for this task, however this wasn't completed until 1966 due to the restrictions and austerity of the war years.

The front of the cathedral is graced by some beautiful wrought iron gates, the work of the renowned Robert Bakewell which once formed the entrance to a now demolished private house on nearby St Mary's Gate. More of Bakewells work can be found inside the Cathedral.

The Bells

The Cathedral bell chamber contains a fine ring of 10 bells - the oldest ring of 10 bells in the country! The oldest, and the heaviest bell is well over 500 years old and is thought to have come from the ancient Abbey at Darley when this was closed at the Dissolution of the Monastries in the 16th century.The remaining bells are all over 300 years old, the youngest being cast in 1693. The bells are rung in three ways - a carillion plays a changing tune three times a day, the clock strikes the bells on the quarter hour and the bell ringers who play for the services and other special occasions - the bell ropes can be seen in the picture (right).