St. Werburgh's Church

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St. Werburgh's Church, main building (left) and tower (right).

Saint Werburgh's Church is a church located at the corner of the Wardwick and Cheapside, Derby. Its tower contains the (now named) Johnson Chapel, where Samuel Johnson married Elizabeth "Tetty" Porter in 1735.

Its oldest parts are the tower, rebuilt in 1601, and the 1699 chancel, now a side chapel. The remainder was rebuilt in 1893-1894 by Sir Arthur Blomfield in 15th century style.

According to the Derby City Council listed building register for October 2003, its notable features are: the reredos in the side chapel; a 1718 wrought iron font cover (now in the Johnson Chapel); Kempe glass; and an 1832 monument to Sarah Winyates.

In 1989–1990 the lease on the main building was sold and the building converted into a shopping mall called the Cloisters. This enterprise failed due to high rent and council tax. The building has stood empty and subjected to vandalism for a number of years, but the lease has now been sold to a private company that will be converting the building into a restaurant and arts centre. The Tower has recently undergone a major refurbishment.

Samuel Johnson's marriage is annually reenacted at the church.