St Thomas

The church is a rare example of the work of the rogue architect Joseph Peacock.
It contains a treasury of stained glass windows by different designers and Venetian mosaics.
This is an exciting opportunity to visit this ornate neo Norman church during its restoration.

Journeys have always been at the heart of the Story of St Thomas'.

In the 1860s, Alfred Olivier, originally from Wiltshire, and his wife, came to live in Derby, and developed a passion for its people. They saw the need for a church and School in the Pear Tree area, where many railway employees lived.

The London based architect Joseph Peacock would travel from his office to guide the building of the church. The features he used reflect in architecture the long history of the Christian faith in this country.

Masterpieces of stained glass were used to adorn the interior of the church. These were transported to Derby from different parts of the country: the Chilterns, Bromsgrove, Covent Garden, as well as from Munich in Germany.

In the chancel, the windows designed by Joseph Nuttgens, outlining the stories of those great Travellers of the Gospel, the Celtic and Saxon Saints. They highlight places of pilgrimage, and are reminders of the journey of faith.

In the post war period, the neighbourhood began to change. People journeyed to Derby from Ireland, the Commonwealth, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, and made their homes in this part of the city. The sights and sounds of today's Pear Tree are diverse and beat to the spirit of the inner city.

According to tradition, Saint Thomas travelled to India to preach the Gospel. Following his example, the people of his Church have reached out in faith and the love of God to those who have come to live here as their neighbours.

Do make the journey and visit us!

Walk round the church with the help of our guide book and Treasure Trail.

Take in the interplay of light and colour, seen in glass and mosaic, stone and wood. Wonder at the craftsmanship of those who worked to create such a place of beauty.

There is much within its walls to interest and inspire the visitor as well as quiet corners to reflect and pray, and perhaps to think about one's own 'journey'.