Church of St Dionysius

St Dionysius’ Church stands in the centre of Market Harborough, Leicestershire. It is a Grade I listed parish church built mainly in the 14th and 15th centuries, though parts go back to the 13th century. In 1735 a storm tore off part of the tower, and the rebuilt section was made several feet shorter. Restoration in 1857 lowered the 1751 pews to about a metre and moved the organ from the west gallery to a new recess. The nave roof was replaced in 1953 after damage by Deathwatch Beetle. The church’s organ was built by G. M. Holdich of London and opened in July 1844. Holdich returned in 1857 to add an extra octave of pedals and install the instrument on the north side of the chancel. It was replaced in 1877 by an organ from J. Porritt of Leicester, inaugurated the following August. Modifications were made in 1914, and the current specification is recorded in the National Pipe Organ Register. Ten bells hang in the belfry, eight of which were recast in 1901. Two new bells were added in 1990, bringing the total to ten. The church’s interior shows the 1858 alterations, with pews cut down and the organ set in its purpose-built recess. The chancel and south aisle roofs were renewed in 1887, and the nave roof replaced in 1953.