Church

The church is currently closed due to the Government Covid-19 guidelines.

http://derbyshirechurches.org/church/snelston-st-peter

A Church or some form of Chapel has existed in Snelston since at least 1066. The church was mostly served by a curate as a daughter church of Norbury. Snelston became a separate Parish and had its own Rectory for the periods of 1871-1928 (Snelston House). Little is known about the church, but it remains on the same site and was always in closeness to the Lord of the Manor.

John Harrison unimpressed with what is thought to have been a very dilapidated 15th Century church rebuilt it, leaving only the tower. Compared to Harrison’s other great buildings in Snelston the church was deemed as unsatisfactory and his daughter Juliana Stanton rebuilt it again in 1908 and this is the splendid church we see today. This is one of very few Arts and Craft churches in the county. The restoration of 1908 included the raising of the roof to give its vaulted appearance and the very fine chancel with hand stencilling, fine woodwork, marble flooring and an embossed ceiling featuring bosses. The West Rose Window above the door was another new addition. The architect was Charles Fowler who was a pupil of Sir Gilbert Scott and a specialist in ecclesiastical building and restoration. He was clerk of works at Durham Cathedral and was proposed by his friends and illustrious fellow architects Scott, Pugin and Wyatt to RIBA in 1863. At various times, he held the position of Architect to Rochester Cathedral and Lincoln Cathedral, and Architect to the Diocese of York and the Diocese of Lincoln. From 1885 to the time of his death, he was Architect to the Dean and Chapter of Durham, a post that had previously been held by Sir George Gilbert Scott.

During the restoration of the Church, the Reading Room was built in the village as temporary place of worship. Today it serves as a village hall.

In 1928 the church re-joined with Norbury, in 1971 it joined with Clifton and in 2007 it joined the Ashbourne Group of Churches. It has regular services most Sundays at 9.30am.

St. Peter’s Church Snelston Priest in Charge

Reverend Duncan Ballard             Tel: 01335 343825           Email: duncanballard@me.com

Church Wardens

Charles Stanton Esq.

Richard Ward Esq.

Secretary

Richard Ward Esq. (Acting Secretary)

 

Treasurer

Hon. Mrs Tammy Shirley

PCC Members

Mrs Glenys Rose

Mrs Mary Hollingsworth

James Hollingsworth Esq.

Mrs Jane Ratcliffe

Mrs Anne Woods

Mike Warner Esq.

Mrs Britt Westhall

Mrs Thiry Thompson

Mrs Linda Jane Stanton

Mrs Ann Ward