Church of St Helen

St Helen’s Church stands in the village of Etwall, Derbyshire, as a Grade I listed parish church of the Church of England. Its oldest parts date from the 12th century, with later additions from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. In the 19th century the building was thoroughly restored by Frederick Josias Robinson of Derby. During the work the plastered ceiling came down, stone walls and columns were cleared of plaster, and a new chancel arch was cut through. Open pitch pine seating replaced the square pews, Minton tiles were laid on the floors, and central heating installed. The restoration added features such as a pulpit made by Walker and Slater of Derby. It used alabaster slabs found in the church floor, red royal marble columns and medallions, and was provided by C.E. Newton of Mickleover Manor. The organ installed in 1976 by W Hawkins of Walsall Wood was later replaced by an electronic instrument in 1990. A new three-manual organ by Viscount was set in place in January 2018. Visitors enter a space of stripped stone and open seating under a clear ceiling. The Minton tiles form patterned floors, and the pulpit’s alabaster and marble work stands near the chancel arch. The 2018 organ occupies the west end, ready for services shared with St Wilfrid’s Church in nearby Egginton.