St James the Great Church
St James the Great Church, East Hill, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2QL
There has been a church on this site for 900 years. The chancel and its chapels were described by the architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner as 'the best Perpendicular work in Colchester' and date to the period 1450-1500. It has historical associations with the radical preacher John Ball who was one of the leaders of the Peasants' Revolt in 1381. The churchyard was used to hold Royalist soldiers who surrendered to the Parliamentarian army at the end of the Siege of Colchester in 1648.
The interior contains several funerary monuments, including the brasses of John Maynard (d. 1569) and his wife Alice (d. 1584) and a large marble effigy of the philanthropist Arthur Winsley (d. 1727) who left money in his will for the creation of almhouses in Old Heath Road which are still in use. The church has two large paintings, 'The Last Supper' by James Archer (1855) and 'The Adoration of the Shepherds' by George Carter (1778), which was originally intended as an altarpiece. There is also a First World War memorial, which includes a book of remembrance.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 13 September:
- 1000-1600
Location & directions
St James the Great Church, East Hill, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2QL
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Steps to the front of the church from East Hill.
Additional information
Last entry is at 15.30. Other buildings open nearby for Heritage Open Days on the same day are Colchester Castle, Hollytrees Museum, Roman Theatre (Maidenburgh Street), 7 Queen Street (The Brewhouse), Peake's House (East Stockwell Street) and SPACE Colchester (34 Queen Street). St James the Great is participating in the Ride and Stride event this year.
