Chesterfield Heritage Open Days
Heritage Open Days
Heritage Open Days is a national festival. Every September, organisations and volunteers across the country organise events to celebrate the country’s history, culture and community. This year’s theme, Creativity Unwrapped, is about sharing England’s colourful history of creativity.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to explore the Museum’s collection and celebrate our history. We’ve made sure there is something for everyone to enjoy and our events are free to attend.”
Chesterfield Museum: Art Collection Store Tour
Unit 22, Calow Brook Drive, Hasland, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 0DR
Chesterfield Museum is opening its doors for a tour around the never before seen art collection store. The tour will focus on fine art including work from the Joseph Syddall collection and the Rosa Markham portrait which hasn’t been on display since its restoration in 2020, as well as a selection of other artworks. Visitors will also be able to find out more about how art is stored and the process of moving the collection when the Museum closed for renovation last year.
Booking is not necessary but it will be on a first come first served basis due to the limited size of the store.
Discover Joseph Syddall
Revolution House, Hight Street, Old Whittington, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 9JZ
This display will celebrate the work of Joseph Syddall, who was born in Chesterfield. His rarely seen sketches and paintings will be displayed and you will have the opportunity to learn more about his career.
Elder Yard Unitarian Chapel
Elder Unitarian Chapel, Elder Way, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S40 1UR
Explore this unspoilt 17th Century Chapel which features original pews, alter and organ. The oldest chapel in Derbyshire, it has a historical graveyard with many notable town figures remembered there. There is a collection of Pearson’s Pottery and beautiful stained glass windows to see, plus various other artefacts usually not available to view.
Hardwick Hall & Stainsby Mill
National Trust, Hardwick Hall, Doe Lea, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S44 5QJ
With guided talks and demonstrations over the weekend, you can explore the stunning Hardwick Estate including the Elizabethan mansion and Victorian water mill. Learn the story of Bess of Hardwick and explore the formal gardens. With expert talks and opportunities to spin and dye your own piece of fabric.
Spital Cemetery, Chesterfield – Stonemasons and Cemetery Symbolism
Spital Cemetery Lodge, 19 Hady Hill, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 0DZ
Explore Spital Cemetery with a downloadable map and glossary and learn more about the cemetery’s opening and some of the people buried there from the information boards on display throughout the week. Admire the creative carvings and meanings they convey with a tour of the symbols.
Requires pre-booking here.
St James the Greater Church, Barlborough
St James the Greater Church, Church Street, Barlborough, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S43 4ER
Visit this medieval church and learn about it’s history. There will be an exhibition about the church and its surrounding buildings including the Old Rectory and Barlborough Hospital, with local expert on hand to share their knowledge.
St John the Baptist’s Church, Ault Hucknall
Ault Hucknall Church, Ault Hucknall Village, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S44 5QH
This Grade I listed church is the burial place of Thomas Hobbes and is a Saxon foundation church in England’s smallest village. Come and explore Norman carvings, Smythson and Butterfield woodwork and medieval galss.
St Leonard’s Parish Church, Scarcliffe
Main Street, Scarcliffe, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S44 6SZ
A Grad II star Medieval church, St Leonard’s is the site of a 13th century effigy of Lady Constantia and her child. Learn about the wonderful legend.
St Peter & St Paul Church, Old Brampton, Chesterfield
Main Road, Old Brampton, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S42 7JG
Join the celebration of the church bells’ 100th birthday! There will be a Family Fun Treasure Hunt with plenty of prizes, where you can explore the building and churchyard while discovering the rich history of the church and its patrons. Plus, with tours of the Bell Tower and displays of local historical interest, you can learn about the secrets of this beautiful Grade I listed medieval church.
Stained Glass Windows and Symbols in Newbold Parish Church
St. John the Evangelist Church, St. Johns Road, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 8PE
Come and enjoy the stained glass windows and learn about the symbols within them. With a self-guided tour and a quiz, plus people on hand to answer your questions and children’s activities, there is plenty to do.
Winding Wheel Centenary Building Tours
Winding Wheel, 13 Holywell Street, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 7SA
Originally built as a cinema, the Winding Wheel Theatre has presented 100 years of entertainment. Come and celebrate the centenary and learn more about the building’s history with a guided tour. You will even get chance to see the backstage areas. Additionally, there will be a special programme of events including films, a gala concert and an exhibition.
Requires pre-booking here.
Winding Wheel Centenary Exhibition
Function Room, Winding Wheel Theatre, 13 Holywell Street, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 7SA
Learn about the Winding Wheel’s history through an exhibition about it’s past, 100 years after it was built.
