The Story of St James’ Church

During the staging of Drawn into Your Presence, there will be a rolling presentation telling the story of this beautiful church and its history till today.

The first St James’ church was built on its current site in 1829.  It was designated a Parish Church in 1854 and enlarged in 1871 to accommodate the growing local population.  In 1940 German bombs destroyed the church, one of the first to be lost in the country.

18 years later, on 13th September, 1958, the new St James’ Church was consecrated.  It  was the remarkable work of the celebrated church architect, Nugent Cachemaille-Day FRIBA (1896-1976) who built some 50 churches either side of World War II, 20 of which are now listed.   

St James’ is regarded as one of his most important post-war churches; the Grade II listed building is largely unchanged since its consecration.  The austere and ‘brick box-like’ exterior conceals a stunning, cathedral-like, interior, triggering “wow” from those who enter its doors for the first time.