St Giles' Church, Longstone

St Giles’ Church stands in the village of Great Longstone, a quiet Derbyshire settlement surrounded by rolling farmland. Built in the 13th century, it grew through the 14th and 16th centuries with later additions. Richard Norman Shaw led a careful restoration between 1872 and 1873, reusing original stone and timber wherever possible. The floor levels were adjusted, open oak seating installed, and a simple stone screen added between the nave and chancel. New choir stalls, a vestry, and an organ chamber were created during the work. The church is worth visiting for its Grade I listing and the quality of Shaw’s restoration. The stained glass windows, designed by Shaw and made by Heaton, Butler and Bayne, fill the interior with colour. Taylor of Loughborough cast the bells, and Smiths of Derby supplied the tower clock. The 1873 Chappell organ remains in place, adding to the building’s musical heritage. It shares its parish with three neighbouring churches across the surrounding villages. Inside, visitors find a spacious nave with open oak seating and a low stone screen marking the chancel. The restored floor levels create gentle steps between sections of the church. The stained glass windows cast changing patterns of light on the walls. The 1873 organ stands at the west end, its pipes rising above the seating. Outside, the church sits at the heart of the village, with views across the Derbyshire countryside.