Reviews of St Michael with St Mary's Church, Melbourne. (Church) in Derby (Derbyshire).

St Michael with St Mary's Church, Melbourne

78 Reviews

50 Comments

Church

Episcopal church

Church Square, Melbourne, Derby DE73 8JH, United Kingdom

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Information of St Michael with St Mary's Church, Melbourne, Church in Derby (Derbyshire)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

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Reviews of St Michael with St Mary's Church, Melbourne

P. R.

This is a great addition to any day in this area, but is also worth the visit just on its own. Take your time to tour the church, find the crenellations in the pillars the images of the devil alongside those of God.

J. P.

By any measure, this is a very impressive parish church. Started in 1120 and still having most of its original Norman stonework, it is one of the finest Norman parish churches in the country. It was partly renovated in the 1630s and again, fairly sensitively, in 1859-1862 by George Gilbert Scott although at that time an opportunity to preserve medieval wall paintings was missed, with one exception, which you can see in the pictures. Competition from several nonconformist chapels in the village in Victorian times ensured that there was only enough cash for Gilbert Scott to do the essential renovation tasks, thereby perhaps saving the church from over-zealous interference with its Norman character. Traces of the original three apses can be seen at the east end, inside and outside, and adorning the massive pillars which support the tower at the crossing are some amusing carvings, see the pictures attached. The nave has circular piers four feet in diameter topped with many-scalloped capitals and the arches are heavily decorated with zig-zag patterns. Above is a clerestory with properly Norman windows on the north side but pointed-arch windows on the south side said to date from 1220. The later date may have been due to the church not being finished until then by when fashions had changed or perhaps because of a fire which made necessary the rebuilding of the south side. According to Pevsner the wall passage around the clerestory, familiar from cathedrals and large collegiate churches, is unique amongst parish churches. Again according to Pevsner, the west front's two tower façade is unique amongst parish churches. Gilbert Scott added steeply pitched slate roofs, known locally as the "pepper pots", to the western towers making the church even more distinctive but they were removed, not without some opposition, in 1955. Unfortunately, an attractive tithe barn stands only a few yards away from the west front, making it difficult to appreciate fully its unique, although unfinished, nature. With its many round arches, windows and doors this church is quintessentially Norman with a Romanesque plan and is rightfully grade one listed. It is a valuable part of this lovely English village and stands next to Melbourne Hall by 'The Pool', all conspiring to create a delightful corner of England.

C. M.

Melbourne Parish Church has an emotional tie for me as it is the Church where I got married back in 2009. I have photographed there on numerous occasions and found myself back again last week. Steve, the Vicar was absolutly fantastic even letting the bridal party and I use his personal grounds to capture some amazing photographs. Chris Chris Mullane Photography

I. C.

Beautiful building, excellent friendly vicar and good choir.

S. F.

Great Christingle service, extremely full which was a joy to see. Visited from out of country and we loved it. Thank you for a wonderful Christmas Eve Family friendly service

H. N.

Lovely church well worth a visit.

A. P.

Fabulous Norman church, like a mini cathedral. Some amazing carvings on the capitals

J. A.

Architecturally and historically important building. If you're visiting Melbourne, a must visit site in my humble opinion religious or not.

Very nice church at Melbourne pool Derbyshire

S. G.

Fine church with much Norman architecture still remaining.

K. W.

Have attended both a wedding & funeral here. Is a lovely old church. Vicar is wonderful. Set in really nice grounds with a nice tranquil spot to watch the water birds.

M. B.

An absolutely beautiful building

A. B.

The Norman architecture is astounding. So glad I went as the house was dusappointing. It was shabby and the guide was boring .Some of the upholstery was in a dreadful state. Usually when these houses are homes they have a lovely feel . I did t find that here sadly.

T. H. H.

Built in the 12th century, it is one of the finest Norman parish churches in the country, with its massive Romanesque arches and carved capitals. It's close to Melbourne Pool, home to wild fowl, ducks, geese and heron. The tower houes 12 bells, and their monthly band came second in the 2012 National 12 bell ringing contest, against Cathedral and City bell ringers country wide.

s. w.

Excellent example of a Norman church in the lovely setting of the historic village of Melbourne, named after Queen Victoria's first prime minister who's home is nearby.

C. W.

This is a very unusual historic Norman church that is super to visit or attend. It is set in beautiful village surroundings. Parking can be limited in busy times.