Testimonials
We wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed your tours, loved all the history......your area is beautiful. Jane & Andy P, New England
Enjoyed our time with you thank you for making our holiday so special. JJ & PD. Scotland.
Thank you again for everything our vacation was great. We thought the little towns and the the stately houses were wonderful and the girls just loved the all the movie scenery we visited. Tom & Audrey B.
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Church ToursChristianity came to the Peak District in the 600’s AD. Generations have left their mark and these places of worship have gradually changed over the centuries. The beautiful buildings that we see today remain some of the most interesting churches in England. Nestling amongst beautiful countryside most Peak District churches have impressive stained glass windows, elaborate tombstones, monuments, fascinating history and curiosities.
See the octagonal church in Stoney Middleton. Dedicated to St Martin this tiny parish church has a unique design, which still has its original 15th century tower. It is well worth including in any tour.
On a much grander scale is All Saints Parish Church in Bakewell. This site is believed to have been used as a place of worship from the 1st or 2nd century. Standing proudly on a hill high above this famous market town the church has an 8th century Saxon Cross in the churchyard, the 14th century alabaster Foljambe monument and a 17th century funeral shield with Plantagenet Arms.
The ‘Cathedral of the Peak’, St John the Baptist in Tideswell. This magnificent church, considered to be the finest in the Peak District, was completed in 1400 to replace and earlier, smaller Norman church on the same site. St Johns remains the one of the most beautiful churches in the area.
Tradition says the Saxon missionary Betti founded St Mary the Virgin church in Wirksworth in 600 AD. Fragments of both Saxon and Norman churches remain. A magnificent coffin lid carved with scenes of the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, dating from 800 AD lies in the church. A carving of a miner, thought to be the oldest in the world, can also be found. A magnificent church.
St Lawrence Church, Eyam dates from the late 1200’s. The church is steeped in legend and the tragic events of 1665-66 Eyam Plague. The unique history associated with this village and impressive church makes for a fascinating tour of and a must for anyone interested in history.
Edensor, the Chatsworth estate village holds the church of St Peter. Family church of the Dukes of Devonshire, it was built around 1870 by Sir George Gilbert Scott and it replaced an earlier Norman church. A gruesome 1600’s monument to the sons of Bess of Hardwick, William and Henry Cavendish remains in the church. Grave of Kathleen, married to the son of the 10th Duke and sister of John F Kennedy, lies in the graveyard.
In the graveyard adjacent to the church of St Michael and all Angels in Hathersage lies the grave of the legendary Little John, kinsman of the famous Robin Hood. Inspired by her visit to Hathersage vicarage, Charlotte Bronte wrote the novel, Jane Eyre. The church holds 15 brasses dedicated to the Eyre family.
Chesterfield's St Mary’s and All Saints is built near the site of a roman fort, the spire was finished around 1360. The largest church in Derbyshire, the spire stands 228 feet above the ground and leans 9 feet 5 inches from it true centre. The ‘crooked spire’ has become the symbol of Chesterfield and can be seen from miles around.
The Peak District has a wealth of interesting churches each with a fascinating history. Only a few of the numerous remarkable Peak District churches have been mentioned here. Contact us and let Tailor Made Stays create a tour customised especially for you. | 
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How Interesting
One of England's most popular stately homes and one of its largest private houses is Chatsworth House the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Chatsworth is believed to have been the inspiration for Jane Austen's Pemberley, home of Mr Darcy, in the book Pride & Predjudice and Chatsworth has been used as a setting for the many adaptations of the novel.
The village of Edensor on the Chatsworth estate was razed to the ground then rebuilt out of site of the main house.
The Padley Martyrs, Nicholas Garlick and Robert Ludlam, were two catholic priests, captured in 1588, taken hanged, drawn and quartered. The ruins of Padley Hall still exist behind the tiny Padley Chapel.
Castleton has a shivering mountain and the Devils Arse.
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Famous Derbyshire People
Richard Arkwright perfected water powered spinning machines and installed them in his factory at Cromford. Building up a whole new community he provided cottages for his workers, a chapel, school and the Greyhound Hotel. 
Initially he lived next to the mill at Rock House but as he prospered he went on to build Willersley Castle on a hill above Cromford. He died in 1792 aged only 60 and was buried at the church he built.
Kathleen, sister of John F Kennedy, is buried in the church of St Peter, Edensor. Kathleen known as ‘Kick’ married William Cavendish, Marques of Hartington in 1944. Only four months later William was killed whilst on active duty and in 1948 she was killed in a plane crash.
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