The Parish church of Saint Peter and St Paul in Old Brampton near Chesterfield serves the communities of Holme Hall , Cutthorpe, Wadshelf and Old Brampton.

There has been a church on this site since the 12th century with the lower part of the tower dating from that date. The upper part, together with the broach spire is later, probably 13th century and the massive buttresses on the west wall of the nave were inserted at the same time.

The clerestories and battlements are from the 15th century. The original alignment of the roof of the nave is visible from the outside of the east end, and in side on the wall of the tower. The south porch was probably added at the same time as the spire.

In the churchyard is the base of a mediaeval cross adapted to carry an 18th century sundial and the two thatched lych gates are distinctive features.

Considerable restoration took place around 1822 when the first two original arches at the east end, together with their supporting piers , were removed in order to accommodate galleries. At the same time drastic alterations to allow light into the galleries increased the size of the windows in the aisles. These alterations weakened the structure so much that 40 years later they all had to be replaced , the new piers being replicas of the the originals. The two west bays and piers are originals of the 12th century church.

On the west wall of the nave is a memorial stone to Matilda le Caus, who holds her heart in her hands. The family were Lords of the Manor and became extinct in the 15th century, but the name persists in Caus Farm.

Church website at www.oldbramptonchurch.org.uk

For more information on Old Brampton try Old Brampton near Chesterfield in Derbyshire

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