St Giles' Church, Normanton, Derby

St Giles’ Church stands in the Normanton district of Derby, replacing a medieval chapel. The present building dates from 1861 and was designed by the Derby architects Giles and Brookhouse. William and Charles Bridgart, first cousins from Derby, built it and it opened in May 1862. The church was consecrated the following year. In 1902 it was enlarged under the direction of Fitzherbert Wright, the High Sheriff of Derbyshire. A major reordering took place in 2010, adding underfloor heating. A small 1950s toilet block was later removed and replaced by a modern annexe. The church belongs to the Conservative Evangelical tradition of the Church of England. It has passed resolutions against the ordination of women. Inside stands a pipe organ by Peter Conacher, a respected builder of the period. The organ’s specification is recorded in the National Pipe Organ Register. Fred Morley served as organist from 1943 until an unknown date, having previously played at St Andrew’s Church in Derby. Visitors find a plain brick church with lancet windows and a modest bellcote. The interior is light and uncluttered, with clear lines from the 2010 reordering. The Peter Conacher organ occupies the west end, its case painted in muted tones. The new annexe provides a small kitchen, a meeting room used for creche, and accessible toilet facilities. The churchyard remains quiet, offering a short walk to Normanton’s streets and local shops.