St James

The present church was begun in the 11th century as a one cell Norman church. An ancient tympanum dated AD 1120-1130 adorns the south door. It is carved from one piece of sandstone and dates from 1120-1130.

An extension to the church was added in AD 1190 using keeled responds typical of the builders of Roche Abbey. This extended the church at the crossing and might have been built to support the tower.

The south aisle was added in the 14th century as a lady or chantry chapel. The tower dates from the perpendicular period and has a spiral staircase. The chancel was added in Tudor times and includes a door, now blocked up, which was used by the priest. This area was rebuilt in the 19th century and restored in 1894.

The priests vestry was added at the time of restoration and the organ was moved from the organ gallery in the tower to its present position.

The bookcase and cupboard and the screen to the tower vestry were both made by Robert “Mousey” Thompson of Kilburn North Yorkshire, in 1947 and there is a Royal Coat of Arms situated in the nave painted by James Winder in 1724.

The pulpit incorporates panels taken from the original Elizabethan three decker pulpit and desk of 1574.

Outside, on the south wall is a Mass Dial, dating from the 12th century. A sundial was erected over the porch in 1828.