ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH PART ONE

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH, BAMFORD, DERBYSHIRE EXPLORING THE HISTORY, HERITAGE AND MYSTERIES OF THIS HISTORIC HOPE VALLEY CHURCH Standing on Main Road in the picturesque village of Bamford, Derbyshire, St John the Baptist Church is an important landmark in the Hope Valley. The present church dates mainly from the mid-19th century, when Bamford was experiencing major industrial and population growth. Today, it is recognised as a Grade II* listed building because of its architectural and historic importance. THE ORIGINS OF THE CHURCH Before the present church was built, Bamford was a township within the ancient parish of Hathersage. Local people travelled to Hathersage for baptisms, marriages and burials. During the 19th century, Bamford expanded rapidly, particularly because of the growth of Bamford Mill. The Reverend Henry Cottingham, Vicar of Hathersage, played an important role in establishing a church at Bamford. He persuaded William Cameron Moore, owner of Bamford Mill, to support the construction of a church for the growing community and the workers connected with the mill. The new church became closely linked with the industrial and social development of Victorian Bamford. WILLIAM BUTTERFIELD'S CHURCH The church was designed by the celebrated Victorian architect William Butterfield (1814–1900), one of the leading figures of the Gothic Revival. Construction took place during the 1850s, with the principal building completed around 1860. It was built from local coursed gritstone, with ashlar stone detailing and a Welsh slate roof. Its tall tower and stone spire remain familiar landmarks above the village. Butterfield was renowned for his attention to detail. The font, pulpit, communion rail and other internal fittings were also part of his design. CONSECRATION – 17 OCTOBER 1860 On 17 October 1860, the completed church was consecrated by the Bishop of Lichfield. In the same year, Bamford became a separate ecclesiastical parish, ending its association with Hathersage. St John the Baptist became the spiritual centre of the community. The parish records provide a fascinating insight into Bamford's past. They include baptism registers dating from 1860, marriage registers from 1861, burial records, service registers, church records, Parish Church Council documents and records relating to the church and parish charities. These records preserve the names and stories of generations who lived, worked and worshipped in Bamford. THE CLOCK AND BELLS The church tower has watched over Bamford for generations. In 1919, a village clock was installed and became known as the village timepiece. It became an important part of village life and remains a familiar feature. The church also has a connection with Sheffield's industrial heritage. Its original bells were made from steel by Firths of Sheffield. They eventually deteriorated, rusted and fell out of tune. They were later replaced by a new peal cast by Taylors of Loughborough. THE LOST VILLAGES OF DERWENT AND ASHOPTON A fascinating chapter in the church's history concerns the creation of Ladybower Reservoir. During the 20th century, the villages of Derwent and Ashopton were lost beneath the waters of the reservoir. Homes, farms, roads and communities disappeared beneath the water. However, the people of these lost communities were not forgotten. Some graves associated with the former settlements were re-interred in Bamford's churchyard, linking the church with communities lost beneath Ladybower. In 1943, the parish was united with Derwent, strengthening the church's connection with the Upper Derwent Valley. THE 1923 EXTENSION The church was later enlarged, with a narthex and choir vestry added in 1923. The additions complemented Butterfield's original architecture. A GRADE II* HISTORIC BUILDING On 21 April 1967, St John the Baptist Church was officially listed as a Grade II* building, recognising its special architectural and historic importance. Its importance includes its Gothic Revival architecture, historic fittings, stained glass, tower, spire and links with the industrial and social history of Bamford and the Upper Derwent Valley. A CHURCH FULL OF HISTORY Today, St John the Baptist remains an important part of Bamford's heritage. Its story brings together Victorian religion, Bamford Mill, the Moore family, William Butterfield, generations of local families, the lost communities of Derwent and Ashopton, and the creation of Ladybower Reservoir. Behind its stone walls are more than 160 years of worship, celebration, mourning and remembrance. Its churchyard preserves the names and memories of generations who lived in Bamford and the surrounding valleys.