ST. JAMES'S CHURCH

The most outstanding building in Chipping Campden is St. James's, which  stands at the eastern end of the town.  It was known as St. Katherine's before the reformation.  The tower is 120 feet, approximately forty metres, high. Some parts of the church are Norman and date back to 13th Century.  Most of the church, however, is 500 years old.  It was built with money from the flourishing wool trade.

Each of the twelve lime trees leading from the main entrance represents one of the apostles.  They date from 17th |century. The nave is a wonderful example of 15th Century architecture and very similar to Northleach, which is also a wool church.  The area around the East window is probably the oldest part of the church.  The 20th Century glass celebrates the safe return of soldiers from the war.  the glass in the top of the East window is probably the oldest because it is fitted in small pieces.  the brass lectern is said to have come from Flanders in 15th Century and was given by Sir Baptist Hicks at the cost of £26.  The pulpit is a fine example of Jacobean workmanship and is about 350 years old.  This was also a gift from Sir Baptist Hicks.  Sir Baptist Hicks tomb is in the South Chapel with its life size black figure.

Another great benefactor of the church was William Grevel the large brass in the chancel floor is of him and his wife.  His woolmark can be seen above his head.