St Mary and All Saints, the Crooked Spire Church, was built in the late 13 Century and finished around 1360. It is the largest church in Derbyshire. The Spire stands 228 feet from the ground and leans 9 feet 5 inches from its true centre. The Spire was 'twisted' when unseasoned wood was used during its construction. Then 32 tons of lead tiles were placed on top and as the timber dried out the weight of the lead twisted the spire.
Between Easter and Christmas tours of the Tower to the base of the 'Crooked Spire' will take place Monday to Saturday (weather permitting). They will be advertised on a yellow notice just inside the south-west doors of the Church. This shows the time of departure and the tour takes about 40-45 minutes. In addition, tours take place on all summer Bank Holiday Mondays and on Medieval Market Day (24 July 2007).
Service Times
Sunday Services
8 am Holy Communion (said)
10.30 am Sung Mass
6.30 pm Evensong
Weekday Services
Holy Communion is celebrated in the Parish Church at 12.15pm Monday/Friday
9.30 am Tuesday/Wednesday/Saturday
5.30 pm Thursday
Matins are said daily at 9 am, and Evensong at 5 pm (except Thursday)