St James Church Southam - Open for viewing, tours, family activities and refreshments

Come and view the 14th century listed St James Church and churchyard. As you enter from Park Lane see the Lych gate constructed in 1938 and the avenue of red twigged lime trees noting the memorial plaque on the church wall . Constructed from Lias limestone and red sandstone it consists of a nave, chancel, aisles and North and South porches, with a West tower with spire housing eight bells. The West wall has Medieval paintings in Latin.

The nave is as high as it is long at 53 feet providing excellent acoustics. In 1645 Parliamentarian troops were billeted in the town during the Civil War and parts of the church were removed and hidden for safekeeping to the home of Earl Spencer at Wormleighton. It wasn't until 1841 that they were returned and reinstalled.

Currently we are celebrating our 12 beautiful stained glass windows, in particular, the ‘Acts of Mercy’ window in the South East aisle. This was made by William Holland, a 19th century master maker of stained glass who established his firm in Warwick in 1828. In 1851 he exhibited at The Great Exhibition. Thereafter, Holland added 'Glass Stainer by appointment to the Queen' to his business letterhead. Last month a blue plaque was unveiled on William’s home in Warwick.

Outside we have the War memorial, Commonwealth War Graves and the grave of Trooper Seth Bond of the 11th Hussars who took part in the famous Charge of the Light Brigade. Tours around the Church and leaflets on the history will be available on the day.

Timings & Tours

Friday 19 September:

0930-1200

Saturday 20 September:

1400-1630

Location & directions

St James Church, Park Lane, Southam, Warwickshire, CV47 0JA

Directions:

We are located just off Coventry Street / Market Hill in Park Lane. There is free parking in Wood Street car park - CV47 1PP. As you exit the car park on foot please turn right and proceed until you come to the main road. There is a crossing on your right by the Post Office. Once you have crossed over please turn left past Title Lodge and continue for a few metres until you reach Park Lane, turn right and the Church of St James is on your left hand side. If in doubt look for the spire!

Contact on day:

Louise Kirby - Church Office

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

The path to the church is cobbled, a ramp is installed to access the building. We do have a toilet however it is not wheelchair accessible. The nearest facilities are in Tithe Lodge opposite the church 2 minutes away.

Additional information

Entrance is free. However we are asking for donations for refreshments should you use these facilities.

Max no of people per tour:

40

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s)

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