There has been a church on the site for over 1,000 years (from
about 943). The present perpendicular tower was built between
1510 and 1530. The rest of the church was rebuilt in 1725, and
the chancel was added 1967 to 1972. The tower is said to be the
second highest in England (212 feet) and has the oldest ring of
10 bells in the world.
The nave and the
chancel are separated by a wrought iron screen made by the
Derby smith Robert Bakewell. The screen is so fine and
intricate that it appears as lacework, such was the skill of
Bakewell.
The cathedral houses many monuments, including
that of Bess of Hardwick.
Here is some more information about the Cathedral tower and bells. There are tower open days twice a year when people can climb the tower (180ish steps) to get fine views of the city and we give demonstrations of ringing.
The great perpendicular tower of the Cathedral is all that remains of the Medieval building that was demolished in 1723. At that time the Revd. Dr. Hutchinson, then vicar of All Saints', facing ruinous condition of the nave and chancel, demolished the whole building except for the tower and began a complete restoration. James Gibbs, architect of St Martin's-in-the-Fields, London, was engaged for the job.
The oldest bell is the biggest, or tenor bell, and was cast in 1520 and the youngest bell was cast in 1693.
The bells are rung three different ways - by the Carillion, which
plays tunes three times a day, by the clock, which strikes every
quarter of an hour, and by the bellringers, who practice change-
ringing.
The bellringers ring the bells for Sunday morning service 10-
10.45, for Sunday Evensong (at various times). They practice on
Tuesday night from 7.30-9.00 and often again on Friday at the same
time.
Would you like some e-mail information about how we ring the bells?
Derby Index
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