Church of St Giles

The Church of St Giles is a stone building with a nave, north and south aisles, a chancel, and a west tower topped with clock faces and diagonal buttresses. The structure follows a traditional three-part church layout that has served the community since its construction.

The church was built during the 1800s and became an important religious center for the growing town of Matlock. The industrialist Richard Arkwright was buried here initially, though his remains were later moved to another church in the area.

The building houses a pipe organ from 1873 and eight bells cast in 1904, which still ring out during services and mark the rhythm of the town. These instruments remain central to how the community gathers and celebrates together.

The church sits on Church Street in the town center and remains open to visitors throughout the year. Regular services take place on Sundays, but it is worth checking ahead to find times when you can visit outside of scheduled worship.

An 18th-century sundial embedded in the church wall blends medieval craftsmanship with later additions to create an unusual timekeeper. Stone gates with rounded coping and ball finials frame the edges of the grounds, adding a distinctive character to the entrance.

Location: Matlock Town

Website: http://stgilesmatlock.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 53.13420,-1.55181

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:40