Tomb of Ann, 1st Countess of Devonshire

St John the Baptist Church in Ault Hucknall

St John the Baptist Church in Ault Hucknall, Derbyshire, lies alone except for just one farm and a house. The church dates back a 1000 years, the oldest parts include the narrow arch between the chancel and the sanctuary, the two large pillars on the north asile., a small loop window in the north wall, and the large arch between the Nave and the chancel.

It is of cruciform shape with a central crossing and tower which dates from the 15th century. The Norman west arch is ornamented with carvings illustrating the book of Genesis, whilst the narrow and plain east arch opening into the chancel is claimed to be of Saxon origin. Outside on the west wall is a large tympanum and lintel. The lintel portrays St George and the Dragon, seperated by a cross, while in the tympanum above is carved the legend of St Margaret of Antioch.

The furniture mostly date from a restoration of 1885-8 by Butterfield but the south aisle east window has stained glass featuring the Crucifixion dated 1527, below which is a monument of 1627 in an Italianate style to Anne Keighley, wife of the first Earl of Devonshire. A slab in front of this monument commemorates the philosopher Thomas Hobbes, who died at Hardwick Hall in 1 679.

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