All Saints Mackworth Mission Rebuild

On December 3, 2020 All Saints' Church in Mackworth, Derbyshire, was ravaged by fire in a suspected arson attack.

The community has been devastated by the destruction of a church which dates back to the 1340s. In a matter of hours 700 years of history went up in flames.

Though the spire and much of the walls survived,  most of its rich interior was lost including Derbyshire Blue John and Chellaston alabaster.

A major community effort is now under way to raise money to restore the building. Among many people working to help the church rise from the ashes is TV personality and auctioneer Charles Hanson. He is supporting the community effort in any way he can.

Charles, a regular on TV’s Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, was devastated when the grade I listed building went up in flames. It is his family church.

As the blaze took hold, he tweeted alongside a picture of the burning building: “My church in Mackworth, Derbyshire, tonight. I married here, loved ones are buried here, and a church so rich in history over 700 years brought joy to many. It witnessed so much, survived so much until this. I hope not a cruel act of arson. Pray for Mackworth church tonight. Gutted.”

Charles said: “I feel very, very sad. I have to do something. This church dates back to the 1340s. It’s mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086. It’s been a place of salvation for centuries and welcomed all faiths, all religions. It’s survived world wars and was standing when the Black Death took hold in 1346.  It must be rebuilt and I’ll work night and day to make that happen. Let it be a beacon of light for mankind again – and a beacon of hope for us all just before Christmas.

“A church is a sacred place. Members of my family are buried at All Saints and that will be the case for many other Derbyshire families. It means so much to so many. I want people to get behind the campaign to help this church rise from the ashes. The walls are still standing, some parts have survived including a statue of the Madonna and child, and the spire is intact. We can’t leave it mortally wounded.

“It’s been at the heart of our community for hundreds of years. Its peaceful presence has offered solace, comfort and joy to thousands when they needed it most. Its celebrated marriages, including my own in July 2010, and christenings. My six-year-old daughter Matilda and son Fred, four, were christened there.

“It’s also offered a solemn and calm place to grieve at times of loss. My grandad, Allsop Smith, a Mackworth pig farmer, was laid to rest at All Saints at the age of 99 in 2018, and my uncle Tom Bond played the organ there for 70 years. It deserves a second chance and I’m determined to play my part in giving it one.

As well as this Just Giving page, donations to Mackworth’s All Saints Church Restoration Fund can be made by sending payments through bank transfer to account number 70691668, sort code 30-92-59.

Cheques made out to PCC Mackworth All Saints Church can be sent to: All Saints’ Church Appeal, care of Charles Hanson, Hansons, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire DE65 6LS.