DERBY CATHEDRAL
VISIT DERBY CATHEDRAL
The Cathedral Church of All Saints is exceptionally beautiful.
Light and spacious inside, the iron screen by Robert Bakewell is
an inspirational masterpiece in this proud and beautiful building.
Visit the Cathedral Centre to admire the Cathedral’s treasures.
Climb to the top of the tower for breathtaking views on a selected open day
Keep an eye on the Cathedral website for a list of prestigious events, including music, film and much more.
The Cathedral Centre also provides a venue to hold meetings and events with the latest contemporary styling and new technology available. Contact the Cathedral for more information.
HISTORY
Visible from a considerable distance, Derby Cathedral dominates the skyline with its impressive perpendicular tower. A church was built early in the 16th century, but worship has taken place on this site since the tenth century.
Light and spacious inside, the iron screen by Robert Bakewell is an inspirational masterpiece in this proud and beautiful building. The tower at 212 feet is said to be the second-highest in England, next to Boston Stump, and it has the oldest ring of ten bells in the world. The bells were re-rung by the famous Derby Engineer George Sorocold in 1687, commemorated by a brass plaque in the chancel.
A combination of events led to it becoming Derby Cathedral, in 1927. A new diocese of Southwell had been created in 1884, and the majority of the County of Derbyshire was transferred from Lichfield to the new see. Five years later, the first assistant bishop to the diocesan Bishop of Southwell was appointed with the title Bishop of Derby. He and his successor worked with the first Bishops of Southwell for the creation of a new diocese of Derby, and this came to fruition with the hallowing of All Saints as its Cathedral Church.
In 1978, the outer part of the Cavendish burial vault was converted into a small Crypt Chapel. The cathedral houses many interesting features and monuments, including Bess of Hardwick’s Monument, Joseph Wright’s Tombstone, the Bakewell Screen and much more.
The Cathedral Church of All Saints is exceptionally beautiful inside and no charge is made to enter, although donations are always welcome. Visitors are encouraged to walk around, sit and enjoy the atmosphere, join in worship if they desire, light a candle or pray.
The Cathedral Centre was opened by HM the Queen on her visit to Derby on 14 November 2003. It provides a place to host meetings and events. The venue combines fine architectural detail with the latest contemporary styling, new technology and comfort. When the time comes to relax there are eye-catching views to be enjoyed.