Anchor Church

Anchor Church is a series of caves cut into a sandstone outcrop near the village of Ingleby in Derbyshire’s East Midlands. Once part of the River Trent’s bank, the caves now open onto a quiet backwater pool after the river changed course long ago. The soft Triassic rock was hollowed out by water and later shaped by human hands into crude rooms with door and window openings. The site carries two official designations: it is a Regionally Important Geological Site and a Local Wildlife Site. The caves are linked to the 8th- and 9th-century hermit St Hardulph, also known as Eardwulf of Northumbria, who is said to have lived and prayed here. Research by the Royal Agricultural University and Wessex Archaeology confirmed the connection in 2021. In the Middle Ages a monk named Bernard used the caves for penance and died inside. Written records begin in 1658, and 18th-century owners enlarged the caves, adding a door in 1845 and brick steps. The Burdett family of Foremarke Hall treated the caves as a summerhouse and picnic spot within their landscaped park. Visitors today walk a short route to the caves and step inside rooms carved from the rock. The main chamber still shows its 18th-century door and steps. Outside, the backwater pool reflects the sandstone walls and supports rare plants such as shining pondweed. Otters have been seen along the channel, and wall pennywort clings to the rock faces. From the entrance there are wide views across the Trent valley, part of the same landscape once enjoyed by the Burdett family and their guests.