Marston Lane Marston-on-Dove Derby
(01283) 808408

St Mary's Church dates from the 13th century. It is built of sandstone ashlar with Welsh slate roofs with stone coped gables. It comprises a west tower and spire, aisled nave with south porch and chancel. It was restored between 1927 and 1929 under the supervision of Derby architect Percy Heylin Curry. The church contains the oldest bell in Derbyshire, which was cast in 1366 by John of Stafford. The pipe organ dates from the late 17th century and was originally in Sudbury Hall, Derbyshire, and later in Sudbury parish church. A specification of the organ can be found on the National Pipe Organ Register.

From The Records:

The churchwarden's accounts begin in 1602 with a gap between 1644 and 1653 and there are many interesting entries. One of the first is a payment to the dog-whippers and sluggard-wakers of 3 pence. By 1636 the number of dogs to be whipped out and the number asleep during sermons had obviously increased because the fee for that year was 8 shillings and 2 pence. Churchwardens were also responsible for killing vermin on the parson's land, and the going rate for killing hedgehogs in the 17" century was 1 shilling and two pence for seven. Jackdaws were a little cheaper. Collections for the relief of the poor were compulsory. Two pence was given to two people in 1613 whose houses had burned and as an indication of inflation, the gift for the same disaster rose to 6pence in 1663 and 8 pence in 1698. In 1688 the churchwardens gave four shillings to help in repatriating a minister who had become a slave in Turkey. The registers start in 1654, Constable's accounts started in 1656 and there is a Church Assessment volume running from 1671. The constable charged a shilling in 1693 for "my charge at Sudbury when I gave account of the popish horses*. We know that the Glorious Revolution had its basis in anti-popery, but popish horses? In 1694 our oldest silver chalice cost £2.15s. It too was "beautified" in 1825 by the addition of superstructure to double its capacity. Unlike the works to the church at that time, the addition to the chalice greatly improves its proportions. The steeple was constantly being repaired in the 18" century, but he work seems to have been successful. In 1753 the PCC spent 5 shillings on ale, at a meeting to discuss the repairs. Two years later, work had been completed at a cost of £14.15s and in 1785 a new weathercock was brought for 9 guineas The church records from 1602 to 1929 are no longer in the church, having been removed for safekeeping to the County Archive, Dr.Cox considered them the most interesting and perfect records, save those of Youlgreave.

And Today:

There are changes and challenges. The parish in June 1997, included the civil parishes of Hilton, Marston, Hoon, Hatton, Scropton and Foston, with two other churches in St Paul's Scropton, and All Saint's Hatton. In 1998 a Pastoral Measure was passed via the Privy Council,through which St Paul's Scropton was incorporated in the parish of Doveridge, All Saint's Hatton now serves the new parish of Hatton and St Mary's is the Parish church of Hilton, Marston-on-Dove and Hoon. Hilton, which in 1991 had a population of just under 2,000 had seen a trebling in size by 2005 through the building of 1,400 new homes. The village continues to grow each year. New facilities have been completed, together with a community centre and shopping area. There are no plans at present to build a new place of worship. The challenge is to welcome new residents into the community of St. Mary's. To begin to meet the challenge in a physical sense we have refurbished the old Sunday School in the churchyard. This building, which was built in 1780 and enlarged in 1880 underwent a further renovation in 1997. New electrics, new windows and all new internal plasterwork were added to restore the Schoolroom to modern usage. A 2nd stage of the project, completed in 1998. added the kitchen and toilet block, helping to meet the needs of a growing congregation. The Schoolroom has hosted a variety of concerts, festivals, exhibitions and meetings. It is also used by school groups visiting the church. The 'Good News Crew' meet regularly on the premises. The landscaping of an area behind the Schoolroom has also added an outdoor space for activities and relaxation. In Hilton itself, we hold regular meetings and activities, which in 2010 included a Family Fun Day, evening social events, men's evenings and 'football fun'.