After leaving Bosworth Battlefield Centre we passed through the village of Sutton Cheney and I asked if we could stop so I could have a quick 10 minute look at the battlefield church of St James.
It is believed Richard III took his last mass at this church before the Battle of Bosworth.
18th century gravestones
I couldn't find information on the font but it looks quite old.
Box Pews (or enclosed seating) - these were introduced in the 17th century and were most popular in the Georgian Period. The box pews in this church are 18th century.
There is a modern memorial to Richard III erected by the Society of Richard III. A memorial service is held here every year on the Sunday nearest to 22nd August.
The kneelers were also provided by the Society of Richard III.
The Nave dates from the early 13th century and has fine piers of the arcade which separate the nave from the aisle.
This solid piece of rough rubble wall which now supports the south wall of the church tower is probably all that remains of an earlier building.
The chancel dates back to the 14th century but was rebuilt in 1905. Thankfully gothic features such as the sedilia were retained.
This is the tomb of Sir William Roberts who died in 1633 - he was a great benefactor to the area and built almshouses near the church.
His wives kneeling above the tomb look down on him.
Sedilia
The East Window showing St Mary and James and the Good Shepherd is by Charles of London and dates to 1905.
This wooden item is an old bell frame.
On 22nd March 2015, the cortege carrying the remains of Richard III paused at the gates to the church for a short service led by Rev. Julia Hargreaves and attended by the Rev. Tim Stevens, Bishop of Leicester. During the service church wardens placed a tribute of white roses and laurel on the coffin. The cortege then continued its journey to Leicester Cathedral where Richard III lay in state until he was laid to rest on 26th March.
It really was a very interesting church and I am pleased I had the opportunity to visit.
When I got back to the car about 15 minutes later the family had disappeared. I thought they had gone a walk round the village until I spotted a nearby pub -
Hercules Revived.
That was a quick drink!
Now I don't mind missing out on icecreams when I look round a church but a swift half was too good an opportunity to miss!
Reference: "The Church of St James Sutton Cheney" Guidebook
