Church of St Matthew

St Matthew’s Church stands in the quiet Derbyshire village of Pentrich, a Grade I listed building dating from the 12th century. Its nave, aisles, porch, chancel and small embattled tower form a simple but elegant shape on the village green. The church was restored in the 19th century and reopened in March 1860 after work finished. Inside, a 17th-century font with Norman-style carving sits on a 1662 pedestal. For many years the bowl was missing and used for salting beef. The church holds notable stained glass by two celebrated designers. The east end of the south aisle features work by Morris & Co., while the north chancel wall displays a window by Christopher Whall from 1915. Two wall tablets remember Edward Horn, who died in 1764, and Madam Mower in 1776. Outside, a medieval scratch dial or mass clock marks the south chancel wall. Visitors find a plain but dignified interior with box pews and a fine Forster and Andrews pipe organ built in 1860. The churchyard is calm, with yew and other mature trees framing the building. The village itself is small and unspoilt, its lanes leading to rolling Derbyshire countryside.