St Dionysius' Church, Market Harborough
History
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. In 1887 the chancel and south aisle were re-roofed. In 1953 the nave roof was replaced. This was required due to Deathwatch Beetle damage.
Organ
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. Modifications were made in 1914. A specification of the organ can be found on the National Pipe Organ Register.
Organists
- Herrap Wood 1882 - 1914 (formerly organist of St James' Church, Standard Hill Nottingham)
Bells
There are ten bells in the belfry. Eight of the bells were recast in 1901 and two new bells were added in 1990.
References
- ^ Historic England. "Church of St Dionysius (Grade I) (1074439)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 8 August 2015.
- ^ The Buildings of England. Leicestershire and Rutland. Nikolaus Pevsner. Yale University Press. ISBN 0300096186
- ^ "Market Harborough, Church Restoration". Stamford Mercury. Stamford. 8 January 1858. Retrieved 8 August 2015.
- ^ "15th century Roof Bosses". harboroughmuseum.org.uk. harborough museum. 1 February 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
- ^ "Opening of an Organ at St Dionysius". Northampton Mercury. Northampton. 11 August 1877. Retrieved 8 August 2015.
- ^ "NPOR [N04542]". National Pipe Organ Register. British Institute of Organ Studies. Retrieved 8 August 2015.
- ^ "Death of Mr Harrap Woodl". Market Harborough Advertiser and Midland Mail. England. 12 November 1926. Retrieved 27 November 2020 – via British Newspaper Archive.