Discover St James, Draycot Cerne
St James Church, Draycot Cerne, Brockley, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 5LG
A rare open day at this beautiful grade II* listed 13th century estate church with its 17th century tower and sumptuously coloured Victorian glass dating to the time of its 19th century alteration and restoration.
The church stands in parkland near the site of Draycot House, a manor house demolished c. 1955, with the family pew containing monuments including a fine bust of Sir Robert Long by Joseph Wilton. A gothic pulpit and box pews complete the beautiful interior of this church, with a 13th century knight's effigy and a handsome Perpendicular tomb chest with traces of its original bright paintwork forming further delights to lovers of architecture and history alike.
St James is no longer open for regular worship, having been vested with the Churches Conservation Trust in 1995, and is normally only open by prior arrangement with a volunteer keyholder.
Trails available for families.
St James Church, Draycot Cerne, Brockley, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 5LG
Please note that this church sits in a private estate. Access is by the driveway only, and is limited to the church and churchyard. No vehicle access to site; if planning to visit but unable to walk up drive please telephone volunteer keyholder on 01249 750649 to arrange access.
For more information on the church or to make a donation to the upkeep of this remarkable building please visit the church's webpage at https://www.visitchurches.org.uk/visit/our-churches/st-james-church-draycot-cerne-wiltshire