It was possibly in the 6th century that groups of Angles from Angeln in Schleswig came to make their home on the ridge we now know as Wingerworth. About a hundred years later Christian teachers came to the area from Northumbria. These were teaching-monks, who travelled from village to village preaching at the places where their craftsmen brothers had erected crosses of stone. In the churchyard, opposite the south door, stands the base of this Anglo-Saxon preaching cross, evidence that Christians have met together on this site for over one thousand years.
The first shrine in Wingerworth may have been a wooden structure, although no trace remains of this, if indeed it did exist. Of the present building the chancel arch in particular indicates a very early origin. However at present it seems safest to date this no earlier than the 11th century. i.e. late Anglo-Saxon or very early Norman.
Extensive alterations probably occurred in the early 12th century, including perhaps the replacement of the original south doorway - the narrow arch of which is still visible to the east of the present entrance – and the addition of a north aisle with its plain arcade.
During the Middle Ages the chancel was the sacred part of the building. In contrast, the nave, (now the narthex of the Church) was the secular part where the villagers held meetings and inquests took place. In times of danger the people took refuge in it, even driving in their animals if there was room. Disputes were settled there by the help of the Reeve, a kind of churchwarden, and the Synodsmen, now called sidesmen. The nave was also used as a storehouse for grain and implements and was the centre of business. Markets and fairs were held in the churchyard.
As the life of the local church and community has evolved over the centuries so the church building has reflected that change. Evidence of this process is everywhere, including the following items of interest to which the visitor’s attention is drawn.
The Narthex (formerly the nave)
The visitor to the church enters through the South Doorway and is well advised to look at the Norman work on the outside.
The more recently built porch gives good protection to the two plain circular pillars and to the capitals carved in one of the well-known Norman designs.
The font, which is both deep and circular and of plain stone, is Norman. It was found in the 19th century at a nearby farm being used as a cattle trough. It was reinstated in the church and more recently placed in its present position.
The three plain arches, with pillars seven feet high and with square capitals, form the Nave Arcade. This is undoubtedly early Norman, probably 12th century.
The Chancel Arch is one of the survivors from the original fabric. Note its small height and span. The proportions are not those of a typical Saxon arch, but the simple, massive masonry suggests pre-Conquest construction.
On the underside of the chancel arch is a wall painting (or fresco) uncovered quite recently. Experts consider this to be late 12th century work, and the colours are remarkably bold after such a long time. It is reckoned to be the earliest wall painting surviving in Derbyshire. There are five roundels, each containing a figure. The central of these is a representation of our Lord, while the others are thought to be of saints. Could these unique drawings, it has been asked, be an early illustration of the dedication of the church to All Saints.
The outstanding feature of the narthex is the Rood Loft (thought to date from about 1500). It is the only one surviving in the county. Its prime purpose was to support the Holy Rood (the figures of our Lord, St. Mary and St. John) but this was removed at or soon after the Reformation.
Immediately to the left of the chancel arch is the Squint. This oblique opening enabled those in the old north aisle to see the altar. However, it may have also served the purpose of viewing the former north door from the chancel when the church was used as a manorial or judicial court in the Middle Ages.
Behind the pillar, to the left of the chancel arch and the squint is a narrow, twisting stone staircase. It has been suggested that this led to rooms above the old nave and chancel, but there is no real evidence that these ever existed. Perhaps, then, the stairs simply gave access to the rood loft.
On the inner south wall of the narthex and to the right of the door hangs the old Sanctus Bell. Originally this hung over the gable at the east end of the nave. Latterly, however, it hung in a cote on the roof of the mausoleum, but was taken down when found to be unsafe. Although it no longer plays any part in worship it was felt right to restore it to public view in the building.
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