History of
St. Paul's

St. Paul's Church was built in 1848 with local quarry stone by P.Wood of Derby for the princely sum of £1,740. It was consecrated on 22 May 1850 by Rt Revd John Lonsdale, Bishop of Lichfield (Derby was in the Lichfield Diocese in those days).

The architects Barry and Brown of Liverpool used a medieval theme in designing an open timber roof, the central nave being flanked by pointed arches and decorated style windows. It is designed in the cruciform style, with the tower offset in the North East corner. The organ is reputed to be the oldest 'great' organ in Derby. It was installed in 1895 having been purchased from a Methodist Church in Buxton.

In its earlier life it was customary for people to pay 'pew rents' - that is they paid an amount to the church and in return they could choose a pew that would be reserved for them and their family. This custom was abolished in the 1920's when the Incorporated Church Building Society gave a grant to the church on condition that all the seats should be free. You can see a plaque commemorating this above the inner doorway in the north porch. You can now sit in any pew free of charge!