Derby Guide - Guide to the City of Derby in Derbyshire

St Paul's Church in Derby St Paul's Church on Mansfield Road in Chester Green Derby. The article below is taken from the St Paul's church website which can be found at www.stpaulschestergreen.org. Please take a look as it offers more information on the church and the local Chester Green community. St.Paul's Church was built in 1848 with local quarry stone by P.Wood of Derby for the princely sum of £1,740. It was consecrated on 22 May 1850 by Rt Revd John Lonsdale, Bishop of Lichfield (Derby was in the Lichfield Diocese in those days). The architects Barry and Brown of Liverpool used a medieval theme in designing an open timber roof, the central nave being flanked by pointed arches and decorated style windows. It is designed in the cruciform style, with the tower offset in the North East corner. The organ is reputed to be the oldest 'great' organ in Derby. It was installed in 1865 having been purchased from a Methodist Church in Buxton. In its earlier life it was customary for people to pay 'pew rents' - that is they paid an amount to the church and in return they could choose a pew that would be reserved for them and their family. This custom was abolished in the 1920's when the Incorporated Church Building Society gave a grant to the church on condition that all the seats should be free. You can see a plaque commemorating this above the inner doorway in the north porch. You can now sit in any pew free of charge! Many have worked hard to maintain the church over the years and last year a new heating system was installed which was much appreciated during the winter! Other work needs to be done, and hopefully as the church grows, we can do further repair and restoration work. Sadly the risk of vandalism means we have to keep the church locked much of the time, but it is quite often open during the week, and if you are passing please drop in. There is a quiet chapel available for private prayer. St Paul's Church is also home to the Little Chester Heritage Centre run by volunteers from the Local History Group. They will be happy to arrange for Group visits and guided walks around the area at other times. Come and explore 2000 years of military, social, industrial and political history. The rich heritage of this attractive conservation area from Roman to recent times is illustrated in displays models and exhibits. The centre is open on Sunday afternoons 2pm to 4.30pm April to end of October. For further details please telephone 01332 363354. Derby Churches

St Paul's Church St Paul's Church