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. In the churchyard, opposite the main door, stands the base of an Anglo-Saxon preaching cross, evidence that Christians have met together on this site for over one thousand years.
In the present building the chancel arch indicates a very early origin – late Anglo-Saxon or very early Norman. Extensive alterations probably occurred in the early 12th century. During the Middle Ages the chancel was the sacred part of the building. In contrast, the nave, (now the narthex) was the secular part where the villagers held meetings and in times of danger took refuge in it.
The font 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 squat and embattled tower was added about 1500. It has eight gargoyle rain-water spouts, and a sun-dial bearing the date 1770.
For almost four hundred years, until 1920, the Hunloke family were in possession of much of Wingerworth. Although they were Roman Catholics and had a private chapel in the Hall, most members were baptised and buried at All Saints Church. The Hunloke Mausoleum, dating from 1783, now part of the church building, has been recently renovated with the help of present day members of the family.
In 1755 an organ was commissioned, from the German organ builder John Snetzler, for a church in Sheffield. After spending time at two Sheffield churches it was finally brought to All Saints in 1975. We are at present fund raising for its restoration.
In sharp contrast to the old church is the new extension. Sixteen months after the laying of the foundation stone the extension was dedicated on 6th June 1964 by the then Lord Bishop of Derby, the Right Reverend Geoffrey Allen. Note, that in the windows there is no red glass which would prevent natural light from entering.
