Parish Church

The St. James’ Church is situated just up from the Castle Inn and was probably founded in Norman times. The church is unusual in that it has a north entrance said to have a door on the devil’s side. It has an 18th century sundial on the south side inscribed with the pun "Bee in Thyme". There are interesting memorials in the churchyard including a poetic epitaph for a local blacksmith. Inside the church is another unusual focal point, the ancient belfry-ladder which is made from the old maypole and marked "THIS WARE THE MAYPOUL 1660" and is thought to have been used to celebrate the restoration of Charles II.

In 1816, landowner John Coverley gave the church a splendid 20-light chandelier, perhaps in thanksgiving after Waterloo. There is also the suggestion that it was given as a simple memorial and took the form of a light as John was known to be losing his eyesight.

St. James’ Church is steeped in history and with its beautiful stained glass windows, it is well worth a visit.

Photo shows the memorial for the men of this parish who gave their lives in the war 1939 - 1945.