As the spire was being built at the time of the Black Death in , a theory has been put forward that the original craftsmen may have died. As a result, less experienced men completed the job and they made the mistake of using green timber. There is also a lack of cross bracing in the structure. There are of course other controversial versions of how the twist was caused and the Devil figures in the most popular version although there are several variations on this theme.
You suspect that, in centuries gone by, this impressive landmark would not have had to fight for attention — but it is no poorer for it in Neither could they have understood just how symbolic the spire would become, nor how synonymous it would be with the town of Chesterfield. The most plausible and arguably least interesting explanation for this peculiar architectural delight is the use of unseasoned wood during its construction.
In language that no doubt makes complete sense to architects and builders, it is also noted that there is a lack of cross bracing in the structure. Another fascinating element, which presumably goes hand in hand with the aforementioned theory, related to a significant part of our social history. Of course, such plausible theories based in fact have not discouraged numerous theories as to how the spire at St.
Mary and All Saints Church came to be crooked — many of which have gone down in folklore. Some are credible, some humorous, some fanciful while others offer a fascinating glimpse into the psyche of local people at the time.
Varied and wide ranging, one thing that all these theories share in common is that they are nothing if not entertaining. One of the more realistic suggestions proposed is that the introduction of tonnes of heavy lead caused the spire to tilt. The additional argument is that the sun shining on the south side warms the tower, making the lead expand quicker than on the north side, and the newly-leaded spire simply could not bear the bulk — especially given the shortcomings of the original wood installation.
Given the lead was added some time later, it opens up the fascinating possibility that, in its early years, the spire was in fact straight, as originally intended. While you are standing in the churchyard gazing at the crooked spire, look for an old gas lamp, which once illuminated the nearby market place. Inside the church you find yourself passing under a massive west gallery to reach the light, spacious nave. There are north and south aisles and transepts, and the chancel with 4 guild chapels surrounding it.
Though much of the interior dates to the 14th century, it was comprehensively rebuilt in by Sir George Gilbert Scott, and again in by Temple Moore who installed the striking reredos behind the high altar. Historic features include the Jacobean pulpit, a Norman font, and a late 15th-century wooden screen in the south transept. Look for a window on the south aisle wall depicting scenes from the history of Chesterfield. Also in the south aisle is a medieval tomb niche with the effigy of an unknown woman, her hands clasped in prayer.
In the south transept is a parish chest, bound by iron straps, created around Also in the transept is a beautiful 17th century long case clock, its case embellished with detailed carvings including a Crucifixion scene, foliage, and, appropriately for a clock, the figure of a cockerel. Beyond the screen, in the southernmost chapel, is a pair of brass chandeliers dated to Also in the southernmost chapel is a wonderful array of 16th and 17th century memorials to the local Foljambe family.
On the north side of the churchyard is the grave of Francois Raingeard, a French officer during the Napoleonic Wars. Raingeard was held prisoner in Chesterfield, and died before the war ended. Most photos are available for licensing, please contact Britain Express image library.
Several nearby paid parking areas including the nearest off Station Road. Heritage Rated from 1- 5 low to exceptional on historic interest. Revolution House - 2. Sutton Scarsdale Hall - 3. Bolsover Castle - 5. Bolsover Cundy House - 5.
Renishaw Hall - 5. Hardwick Hall - 5. Hob Hurst's House - 6. Stainsby Mill - 6.
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