On Friday 14 October we drove across to Ashbourne for Oxfam books and Waitrose, then came home via the village of Kniveton, and St Michael’s church SK211503. There is no parking on the road outside, so I used a corner of the school car park. Lovely milestone just opposite the church, and a nice welcoming notice on the gate itself. Apparently the road was the Alfreton to Ashbourne turnpike of 1759.
The yew tree is probably a thousand years old. At Domesday Kniveton was referred to as the manor of Cheniveton, which was held by the Kniveton family for many years. In the Civil War Sir Andrew Kniveton was a staunch Royalist, and the family paid the price. A church has existed here for many years, and parts of this building date from the C12. The lovely tower is C13 and houses a couple of bells, one C16, the other inscribed “God Save the King, 1665”. I liked the gargoyles.
The nave and porch are Norman, and there are some interesting carvings.
The church felt lovely as I opened the door and walked in. Peaceful and well cared for.
Just inside the door is this circular stone carving. It was found when the church was re-pewed in 1842, but its original placing in the church and date of origin are unknown.
The window depicting Christ the good shepherd dates to 1888, the other two are 1908. I like the expressions on the faces of the sheep.
Some C14 glass in a chancel window, the crest of the Kniveton family (C15) and a nice east end. The East window is 1879.
Nice banner. One large memorial with poem.
The font is in the Early English style and dates from the C13. The date of 1663 relates to the restoration of the church.
The church was redecorated earlier this decade, and the certificate awarded by the Painting and Decorating Association is proudly displayed. They have done an excellent job putting in a kitchen unit and a disabled loo. Although the photo of the open door makes it look as if the loo encroaches on the font, it doesn’t feel like that. Well done!
A nice churchyard, with slate headstones and autumn colours.
We went on to Carsington Water – website – and had a lovely cake. I had a walk to Stones Island, with stones by Lewis Knight (1991). This looks like a place for a good explore.
We happened across Kniveton church en-route to Cromford Mill. It intrigued me and stopped off for a quick look on the way back. It is so lovely and well cared for.