St Dionysius' Church, Market Harborough

St Dionysius' Church, Market Harborough is a Grade I listed[1] parish church in the Church of England in Market Harborough, Leicestershire.[2]

St Dionysius' Church, Market Harborough
St Dionysius' Church, Market Harborough
Map
52°28′43″N 0°55′17″W / 52.47856°N 0.92137°W / 52.47856; -0.92137
LocationMarket Harborough
CountryEngland
DenominationChurch of England
Websiteharborough-anglican.org.uk/teamchurces-stdionysius
History
DedicationSt Dionysius
Architecture
Heritage designationGrade I listed[1]
Specifications
Height154 feet (47 m)
Administration
DioceseDiocese of Leicester
ArchdeaconryLeicester
DeaneryGartree
ParishMarket Harborough

History

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The earliest parts of the church date from the 13th century, with most features dating from 14th and 15th centuries. Part of the tower was destroyed in a storm in 1735 and the replacement was several feet shorter. Restoration work was carried out in 1857 when the pews of 1751 were cut down in height to about 3 ft and the organ moved from the west gallery to a specially constructed recess. The church reopened on 8 January 1858.[3] In 1887 the chancel and south aisle were re-roofed. In 1953 the nave roof was replaced.[4] This was required due to Deathwatch Beetle damage.[4]

Organ

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The pipe organ was moved in 1857 and later replaced with a new instrument by J Porritt of Leicester. This was inaugurated on 9 August 1877.[5] Modifications were made in 1914. A specification of the organ can be found on the National Pipe Organ Register.[6]

Organists

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Bells

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There are ten bells in the belfry. Eight of the bells were recast in 1901 and two new bells were added in 1990.

References

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  1. ^ a b Historic England. "Church of St Dionysius (Grade I) (1074439)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 8 August 2015.
  2. ^ The Buildings of England. Leicestershire and Rutland. Nikolaus Pevsner. Yale University Press. ISBN 0300096186
  3. ^ "Market Harborough, Church Restoration". Stamford Mercury. Stamford. 8 January 1858. Retrieved 8 August 2015.
  4. ^ a b "15th century Roof Bosses". harboroughmuseum.org.uk. harborough museum. 1 February 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
  5. ^ "Opening of an Organ at St Dionysius". Northampton Mercury. Northampton. 11 August 1877. Retrieved 8 August 2015.
  6. ^ "NPOR [N04542]". National Pipe Organ Register. British Institute of Organ Studies. Retrieved 8 August 2015.
  7. ^ "Death of Mr Harrap Woodl". Market Harborough Advertiser and Midland Mail. England. 12 November 1926. Retrieved 27 November 2020 – via British Newspaper Archive.