We followed a lovely minor road to Kirk Ireton. A larger village than I expected and probably worth a walk round, but for now we parked by Holy Trinity church – SK 269502 – and I went for an explore. They are also part of the Wirksworth team – website – but they have no history on the website.
I entered, starting taking photos, then the organist arrived, then the Churchwarden arrived. We had a good chat, I got into the vestry (Table of Fees dating 1987), but I didn’t see if they have a guidebook on sale.
Pevsner tells me it has an “embattled West tower, low, broad and unbuttressed, probably Norman, C14 upper stage”. The porch is rather lovely – enjoy the angles – again it is probably Norman.
The Chancel is C14, with nice carvings at the east end. Door into the vestry is C14. I like the sheep – should have asked when it was carved – but missed the Chancel tiles (“Good, with fat moths, birds, etc.”).
The place is overloaded with pews, and not particularly good ones at that – they have put in a good disabled ramp, they could do more.
I have done a google, but I can’t find any more details of Elinor Blackwall.
Interesting lights in the Chancel, and the Crib out until Candlemas.
They have a sword – which is apparently a stage prop from a production they put on a few years ago! I think you could build a legend up surrounding it, and really get the tourists in.
Pevsner tells me that the gateposts are early C18, brought from elsewhere.I need to make a trip back.
Thanks for your visit. There certainly is an excellent guide book, prepared by local architect Tony Short. Some of the pews have gone since your visit but the Chancellor was unimpressed by our request to remove the whole lot. Blackwall is a local family and the hamlet of Blackwall is just outside the village. The vestry is apparently very unusual being where it is, for its date. We look forward to your next visit.
Thanks. I’ll pop in again this summer
Can someone clarify what happened to Elinor Blackwall? I’ve not found anything online.
Newspapers should have a report of her death.
She was born 1906 to John Eaton Blackwall and his wife Elinor Sophie nee Statham.
John Eaton Blackwall was born 1873 to John Blackwall Evans Blackwall and his wife Lucy Eaton, he was son of Emma nee Blackwall and her husband Charles Evans, and took his mother’s surname to carry on the name.