Holy Trinity Church

Holy Trinity Church was constructed in 1856. The site was donated by Gladwin Turbutt, Squire of Ogston Hall and benefactor to the church. It was built to replace Trinity Chapel.

As you enter the churchyard through the lychgate, to your left there is a stone angel looking over the grave of 11-year-old Nellie Limb, daughter of Thomas and Fanny Limb.  According to local information, Nellie was disabled and was being pushed up Church Lane in her wheelchair when, unfortunately, the person pushing her lost control and poor Nellie went hurtling down the hill. The tragic accident killed her.

The war memorial commemorates the residents of Brackenfield who were killed or missing in the Great War (World War l). The name at the top is Lt. Gladwin M. Turbutt, who was the eldest son of William Gladwin Turbutt, Squire of Ogston Hall. Gladwin Maurice Revell Tubutt died on the first day of the Battle of St. Julien, Flanders, October 21st 1914 aged 31.

As you walk past the church door, a couple of rows right of the tree, you will see the inscription on a headstone which reads: Sacred to the memory of Elizabeth Boot, who died 9th May 1896 aged 19 years R.I.P. also Henry Taylor Boot, father of the above. This memorial cross was erected by a sympathising public.  Elizabeth was murdered by William Pugh, an unemployed miner. He took the life of Elizabeth in one of the barns of her employer, Thomas Limb, where she was resident housekeeper at Lindway Farm on Lindway Lane.  William Pugh was executed in Derby. The Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald (1896) describes how "Mr Thomas Limb of the Lindway Farm, is daily beseiged with visitors anxious to see him, his house and the now famous barn where the crime was enacted... nearly 3000 people have visited since the inquest.... A small charge is now being made to view the barn in order to raise funds to procure a suitable tombstone to put over the deceased girl's last resting place."

There are many headstones in this graveyard bearing the name Limb. John Limb played a major part in village life. As well as being a farmer, he was one of William Gladwin Turbutt’s Javelin men, a Parish Councillor and on the Board of Guardians.

Historically, the most interesting item within the church is a mediaeval traceried rood screen, which was moved to the west end of the new church in 1881 from the then disused Trinity Chapel. This screen consists of a central doorway with crudely carved open arcading on each side. By the time it was removed the screen was greatly dilapidated and much of the arcading had to be restored.

Where next?

Take the footpath opposite the church door, climbing stone steps through the hedge. Continue ahead taking a little stone bridge over a stream. Walk across the field and go through the hedge in front of stepping stones leading through a little wooden footpath gate. Take the path round to the left, keeping the hedge on your left. Climb over the stile which is quite hidden. Continue with the hedge on your right to QR plaque 11 on a post by the hedge.