Disaster struck on January 6th 1907 when the whole church was engulfed by fire, leaving only the tower and spire relatively undamaged. Rebuilt very quickly, the church now has one of the most beautiful interiors with reredos and chancel screen carved from the finest oak.

St Wilfrid's is a large and active parish involved in worship, prayer and praise of God while serving the community as it has done for centuries past.

Who was St. Wilfrid?

Born 634 died 709, bishop of York 669, zealous missionary who founded many Bendictine monasteries, brought the English church into line with Rome, and initiated the conversion of the Germanic people to Christianity.

The church has many interesting window mouldings. Below are just a few examples:

The Four Evangelists (Gospel writers)

Matthew

Symbolised as a man because he opens his story with the human origins of Jesus' geneology

Mark

Whose gospel begins with the wild, lion-like St John the Baptist preaching in the desert

Luke

Who placed the baby Jesus in the Temple with Zechariah, a priest whose sacrifices included oxen

John

the evangelist whose work intently gazes on the eternal Word, recalls the eagle that flies face into the sun

Here Be Dragons!

Faces

Reminder of Kirkby Urban Council

Set into the churchyard wall are the Kirkby Coat of Arms.

They were removed prior to the demolition of the old Council Offices in April 1986 and given to the Church for safe-keeping.

The handing over ceremony included the Revd Adrian Butt and Councillor Mrs Glenys Thierry.

St.Wilfrid's is located in a designated conservation area, centred around parts of Church Street and Chapel Street in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.