St John the Baptist Church, Buxton, Derbyshire

The Parish Church of St John the Baptist owes its existence to the generosity of the 5th Duke of Devonshire who in 1811 petitioned the Dean and Chapter of Lichfield for powers to build a new church; these were granted and the duke’s final benefaction to the town, as he died later the same year, was St. John the Baptist church.

Architect, John White, designed the church in the Tuscan style with an open portico at the east end. This was extended in 1896 to include a chancel at the east end in the space between the present east wall and the outside portico.
The simple Regency architecture outside gives little hint of the glories that await inside. The first impression is one of awe-inspiring spaciousness with no pillars to interfere with the view of the altar and chancel. With its only remaining Georgian window and glorious stained-glass windows including five by C.E. Kempe, the Victorian artist with a considerable reputation; three of these windows are identified by the mark of a wheatsheaf. Also of interest are the marble and alabaster pulpit, the memorial tablets, the Cross representing the six churches in the team parish, and the 4-manual William Hill organ.

The churchyard is no longer used for burials. A recent addition, suitable for quiet contemplation, is the garden of remembrance with its pillars mimicking those at the east end of the church and its small fountain which complete the air of quietness.
Please let us know if you have family connection to St John’s.

Short organ recitals starting at 1300 on the following days: Tuesday 10th, Wednesday 11th, Thursday 12th and Saturday 14th.

Timings & Tours

Friday 06 September:

Opening 1100 - 1500

Saturday 07 September:

Opening 1100 - 1500

Sunday 08 September:

Opening 1300 - 1500

Monday 09 September:

Opening 1100 - 1500

Tuesday 10 September:

Opening 1100 - 1500

Wednesday 11 September:

Opening 1100 - 1500

Thursday 12 September:

Opening 1100 - 1500

Friday 13 September:

Opening 1100 - 1500

Saturday 14 September:

Opening 1100 - 1500

Location & directions

St John's Road, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN

Directions:

The church stands on the A53 St John's Road at the junction with the A5004 Manchester Road. There is some limited car parking in the church grounds accessed via Manchester Road, but more parking can be found in the Pavilion Gardens car park located opposite. Alternatively, Pay and Display parking can be found in the surrounding streets. Park Road, to the north of the church, has no parking restrictions. The main west entrance door is up the steps off St John’s Road. There is a more accessible ramp entrance on the north side of the church, approached from the church car park.

Contact on day:

Mrs Kathryn Barton

Telephone number:

+447764935519

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

The accessible ramp entrance is on the north side of the church, approached from the church car park. Changing Places toilets are located in Pavillion Gardens, opposite the church.

Additional information

All welcome to attend our Sung Eucharist service at 1100 every Sunday.

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