St Peter's Church, Edensor


St Peter’s Church, Edensor, is a Grade I listed church in Edensor, Derbyshire. St Peter's is the closest parish church in the Church of England to Chatsworth House, home of the Dukes of Devonshire, most of whom are buried in the churchyard. St Peter’s is in a joint parish with St Anne’s Church, Beeley.

Church

History

The current building of St Peter's replaced an ancient church dating from the 12th century. The original village of Edensor was located immediately next to Chatsworth House, but between 1838 and 1842 the 6th Duke of Devonshire had it moved out of sight over a hill. The planning of the new village and parish church was overseen by Joseph Paxton. St Peter's Church was rebuilt and expanded between 1867 and 1870 to the designs of the architect Sir George Gilbert Scott for the 7th Duke of Devonshire. It comprises a west steeple, nave with aisles, chancel, north vestry and south east chapel.

Memorials

Organ

The pipe organ was built by Bishop and Son and dates from 1873. A specification of the organ can be found on the National Pipe Organ Register.

Churchyard

Sir Joseph Paxton is buried in the St Peter's churchyard, as are most Dukes of Devonshire and their families, including U.S. President John F. Kennedy's sister Kathleen Kennedy, who was married to the 10th Duke's eldest son. Kennedy visited the grave during his presidency. Members of the Cavendish family buried here include:
The churchyard also contains three Commonwealth service war graves of World War I: a British soldier, a British sailor and a Canadian Army officer.