St James the Great

The tower of the present church dates from the 12th century. The Domesday Book refers to a priest in Cradley and to the Bishop of Hereford owning land in the parish. Although not specifically mentioned, it is therefore likely that there was a Saxon church on the site, and some stones with Saxon carvings are set randomly into the external walls.

Of particular interest to visitors is the historic association of Cradley church with Revd Dr Thomas Bisse, Rector from 1713 to 1731, Chancellor of Hereford Cathedral and brother of the then Bishop of Hereford. He was instrumental in founding the annual Three Choirs Festival, which is now considered to be the oldest regular music festival in the world. The font (1722) and tenor bell (1724) were given by him. The chancel was restored in 1867-8 by Sir George Gilbert Scott, and in 1869-70 the nave was restored, and the north aisle added, by AE Perkins.

The east window (1872), by Hardman & Co of Birmingham, was given in memory of Thomas Webb, founder of the eponymous firm making fine English glass and crystal in Stourbridge, who spent his retirement in Cradley. The St Francis window (1936) in the north wall of the Sanctuary commemorates the family of Revd Thomas Ayscough (Rector from 1892 to 1917) and is an outstanding example of the work of AJ Davies of the Bromsgrove Guild. It is of national significance. The front choir stalls were made at the Morgan Motor Company’s workshop in Malvern, donated by the Morgan family, and have small representations of Morgan sports cars on the central feet. The cross above the sanctuary, donated by a parishioner, was also made at the Morgan factory.

The churchyard is very picturesque, with its 16th century lychgate and the village hall, a half timbered 15th century building standing in its southeast corner.

The church is open daily and visitors are always welcome. In its beautiful setting it is a popular place for walkers to stop and enjoy the free self service refreshments that we provide.