Peak Experience

According to tradition, the Saxon missionary Betti founded this church in the 600s AD.  There has probably been a church on this site since the time of Edward the Confessor (1042–66).

 

St Mary the Virgin Church, Wirksworth 

One of the most impressive remains from the original church is the Saxon coffin lid, dating from around 800.  It shows scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary depicted in an almost comic strip form.

 

A picture of the Saxon coffin lid A picture of the carving of a lead miner

 

Look out for the early medieval carving of a lead miner, built into the south transept wall.  This is the oldest of its kind in the world.  There is also a massive Norman font.

 

The church you see today dates largely from the 1200s to 1400s.  There were then many alterations in the 1800s.  You can clearly see how much wealth the local lead mining industry generated when you consider what a lot of money has been spent over the years on improving the church.

 

The north transept stained glass window by Morris and Burne-Jones was added in the early 1900s.  Just below this, you can see a collection of Saxon and Norman fragments built into the wall.

 

A pictures of the stained glass window A picture of the Norman fragments

 

Every year, on the Sunday after 8 September, the congregation observes the ancient custom of clypping.  The worshippers join hands all the way around their building to encircle the church.

 

A picture of the churches arches

The church is generally kept open and has some excellent visitor guides inside for adults and children.  Wirksworth is a large tourist centre with a good range of visitor facilities, a heritage centre and town trail.