Church of St Charles the Martyr, Peak Forest, Derbyshire

Reference           Builder 3 December 1877 page 1209

PEAK FOREST —A few days since the Bishop of Lichfield consecrated a new church at Peak Forest, the gift of the Duke of Devonshire. The new building is intended to replace the old church, which was built about the middle of the seventeenth century, and was dedicated to “St. Charles the Martyr.” The building adjoins the old church, and is designed in the Perpendicular style. The main entrance is by a porch formed by the tower, which is square, and affords room below for a ringer, and above for a bell-chamber. Two stained windows have been placed in the church, one by Mr Samuel Needham, of Rushop, and the other by Mr William Claye and his sisters, as a memorial to their mother. The chapel and reredos are also the gift of Mr. S. Needham. The plans of the building have been prepared and the work carried on under the direction of Mr. Henry Cockbain, of Middleton, near Manchester. It was originally the intention of the duke to restore the old ohuroh, but on examination it was found that the material had been so damaged by fire some years ago as to necessitate the building of a new one. There are many peculiar features connected with the old church, amongst which is the fact that it was at one time an English Gretna Green, where, it is said, any one at any time could be married without previous notice. [Builder 3 December 1877 page 1209]

This church commemorates the death of King Charles I of England, executed in front of the banqueting hall, Whitehall. He was declared a Saint at the restoration of the monarchy.