St James' Church, Chipping Campden

Before leaving Chipping Campden I parked by the church of St James - as I had left E in the car I only had about 20 minutes so have to admit such a short period of time means I cannot really do the church justice. Hopefully, one day I will return as Hidcote is quite close and that is a National Trust garden I really do want to re-visit so I might be able to combine the two.


The present church mainly in the Perpendicular style occupies a site where there were earlier churches. Most of the present building dates back to the 15th century with traces of earlier work. When the church was rebuilt the town was a centre of the prosperous wool trade. Rebuilding eventually finished around 1590 with the addition of the tower which is 120 feet high. Since the Reformation the church has been dedicated to St James the Great.

The splendour of the building is due to the wealth of those who gave money to the church in earlier times. Many had made their wealth from the wool trade which was the main source of prosperity in the 14th and 15th century.

The avenue of lime trees was planted in 1770 - there are six trees on each side of the path representing the 12 Apostles.

The south porch which is now the main entrance to the church dates from the 14th century but has been altered many times. Over the door way is an empty niche which may once have held a statue of Our Lady to whom the church was originally dedicated.

A view of part of the interior of the church

The West Window

The font in use today is a copy of a 15th century font in the church of St Mary Magdalen in Oxford. It was dedicated in 1830 and was made by one of Chipping Campden's stone masons.

Hark! The Herald Angel

Under the Tower a set of late 15th century altar hangings are protected behind curtains in two glass cases. These were bequeathed by William Bradway who died in 1488. Also protected in a glass case is The Medieval Cope which dates from around 1380 - 1440. All are exceedingly beautiful but for understandable reasons photos are not allowed.

There is an interesting story about the original half font. The Early English (possibly 1250's) floral border is worked on a possible Norman bowl. The font was cut in half in 1727 by the church warden Rowland Smith who wished to extend his family pew. The act apparently did not go down well at the time!

The pulpit has Jacobean carving and was donated to the church by Sir Baptist Hicks in 1612.

The East Window - at the top is the only surviving 15th century glass in the church. The remainder is modern glass by Henry Payne of Amberly Gloucestershire in memory of those who died in the First World War. The window weighs over 2 tonnes and has more than 10,000 pieces of glass. On the right hand side are two images of St Martin. Towards the bottom he is seen as a a Roman soldier on a horse cutting up his cloak to share with a beggar. Higher up he appears as a Bishop blessing a beggar. He became Bishop of Tours in 370AD and was chosen as much of the fighting was in France and because his saint day is 11th November. He symbolises the hope that soldiers returning from war will be able to lead full and peaceful lives.

In the Sanctuary is the canopied tomb of Sir Thomas Smyth, Lord of the Manor of Campden until his death in 1513.

Chancel windows

The sedilia or clergy seats are 15th century.

The Gainsborough Chapel contains tombs and memorials to the Hicks, Gainsborough and Noel families.


This memorial is to Sir Baptist Hicks' daughter Lady Juliana and her husband Sir Edward Noel. Sir Edward died fighting for King Charles I during the Civil War. The couple are dressed in their shrouds emerging from the tomb at the Day of Judgement.

This memorial is to Lady Penelope Noel who sadly died aged 22 of blood poisoning after pricking her finger while sewing. She is holding a prayer book.

This memorial is to Ann who was the first wife of Baptist Noel, third Viscount Campden.

The main memorial in the chapel, made of black and white marble, is that of Sir Baptist Hicks and his wife Lady Elizabeth. In 1613 Sir Baptist built old Campden House which was destroyed during the Civil War.

Near the church is the entrance to what was Campden House together with two lodges.

All photos taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera

Reference Church Guide to St James' Church