[2] Located in the Peak District National Park,[3] St Michael was built as a privately endowed chapel for the nearby Rowtor Hall.

On his death in 1717, he left an endowment of £20 a week for a chaplain to keep the Common Prayer service twice a day, "and administer the Sacrament every Sun-day".

The east window was fitted with stained glass in 1898 and made by Alfred D. Hemming of London, and the chancel floor was renovated by the Ashford Marble Works.

[6] The artworks, comprising three two-light windows,[7] were fabricated for the church and donated to it by the artist, who had lived in Rowtor Hall, the vicarage,[8] between 1975 and 1977.

The church is part of the Youlgreave Benefice, and is in a joint parish with The organ was installed by Wadsworth and Brothers and was opened on 29 January 1905.