This charming little village nestles in a valley, sheltered by a steep wooded hillside to which its tiny church seems to cling for life.
This is a simple place 50 feet long and 20 feet wide, with something of the 14th century left in the east window and part of another in the vestry, and in the font carved with four small heads at the base. Old oak pews now line the walls, and there is a sundial of 1648, when the church was 're-edified', a remarkable survival of the late Gothic style. The west gallery was added in 1704 and in the north aisle is a coat of arms of 1706. Two interesting windows are in memory of the Gells of Hopton close by, one with the names of all their women from 1452 to 1862, the other with the names of all their men from 1404 to 1926.
Two odd items are in the church register here, one of the planting of the yew tree in the churchyard in 1638 and another of Sarah Tissington, who was born here in 1664 without arms but who learned to knit with her feet. One of Carsington's rectors was John Oldfield who was driven from the church in 1662, and here was born his son Joshua. Both have found their way into our national roll of fame, and we meet them at Alfreton, where the father is buried.
Near the village is the new Carsington reservoir with its excellent visitor centre, boating and scenic walks. It looks just like a natural lake and is well worth a visit.
