Exploring an old derelict Grade II Saxon Church

I only discovered this old Saxon church when I signed an online petition to stop it being demolished. The Grade II listed church is to make way for the HS2 rail line. The proposed rail line is being designed to connect the north of the UK and the midlands to London.

The Old Heath church near Chesterfield, UK is situated on the site of the deserted settlement of Lound which lies next to the dual carriageway approaching Junction 29 of the M1. The church can be traced back to 1307 but might be much older. It was partly pulled down in 1852. You can still see part of the stone edged path leading up to the church porch. Inside the church there are stone pews. Part of the window frame which held a stained glass window is lying on the ground in front of the wall. There is also a tombstone on the floor dedicated to the body of Thomas and James Jeffry his son. There are two dates on it, one being 1697 but I couldn't read the rest.

We found a 1971 Queen Elizabeth old penny embedded in the church wall. Not sure how it got there or what it represented but it was a nice find.

Two ladybirds on a gravestone.

It would be very sad if this historic church was completely demolished and the graves relocated. It's quite an interesting and spiritual place to visit. Each time you visit you spot something else. It's surprising what is on your doorstep that you've never seen before!

Thank you for reading.