St Mary and St Barlock's Church, Norbury

St Mary and St Barlock’s Church stands in the quiet Derbyshire village of Norbury. It is a Grade I listed parish church built on the site of an earlier Anglo-Saxon church and a Late Norman church. The present building was constructed piecemeal over two centuries, beginning with the unusually large chancel around 1300–1310. The nave and tower were added later by members of the Fitzherbert family, who shaped the church’s growth over generations. The church is worth visiting for its remarkable collection of Fitzherbert memorials and historic stained glass. The alabaster effigies of Nicholas and Ralph Fitzherbert show fine details of 15th-century armour and heraldry. The south window still bears the name of Saint Barlock, linked to the Irish saint Finbarr, reflecting the family’s Irish connections. The great east window once held rare 14th-century glass, removed in the 19th century after falling into disrepair. Inside, the spacious chancel contrasts with the narrower nave, both lit by tall windows with intricate tracery. The Fitzherbert chapel contains a window showing the donor and his family. The tower holds three historic bells, including one cast in 1589. Outside, the churchyard is calm and the surrounding village remains unspoilt, making it a peaceful place to reflect on centuries of history.