St Mary's Church, Wirksworth

A beautiful church located in the historic market town of Wirksworth, St. Mary’s dates back to the 12th century, though much of the current building was constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries. The church is known for its impressive wooden screen and its striking bell tower. Inside, the church features many interesting architectural details, such as Norman arches and the fine stained glass windows that tell the story of the area’s rich history. Regular tower tours provide visitors stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside.

St. Mary’s is Grade 1 listed and a member of the Major Parish Churches network. There are elements in the structure of the building that appear to be older than the major part of the building, possibly being pre-conquest (maybe Viking or Saxon), more than 1000 years old, these include carved elements that are clearly not where they were originally intended.

Open every day, normally 9am to 5pm

Getting here
Wirksworth is on the following bus routes:

• Stagecoach X17 Sheffield to Wirksworth. Calls at Chesterfield, Matlock, Matlock Bath and Cromford, which all have railway stations.
• Trent Barton 6.1 Derby to Bakewell. Calls at Matlock, Matlock Bath and Cromford.
• Trent Barton LS Matlock to Wirksworth. Calls at Matlock, Matlock Bath and Cromford.

It can also be reached on timetabled trains on the EVR

What’s nearby to see and do
•    Ecclesbourne Valley Railway 
•    National Stone Centre
•    Wirksworth also has many independent shops and places to eat

Did you know?
St. Mary’s Church includes a stone coffin lid, found under the floor of the sanctuary around 200 years ago. It is believed to be Saxon in origin (around 700CE). Pevsner calls it The Wirksworth Stone.