Church Of St James

The Church of St James was built in 1727 by Sir George Tempest, located near the Hall. The church features elements from the medieval parish church, including a partially concealed Norman window and the tracery of a Perpendicular window, although its overall design is classical. It has a plain rectangular nave, a slightly narrower chancel, and a square tower at the west end, which is adorned with quoin pilasters, a cornice, and a parapet topped with carved urns at each corner. Constructed from local coursed gritstone, the church has large quoins and broad squared window surrounds. The tall, plain round-headed windows have impost blocks and keystones, while the doorway arch is moulded with an intersecting glazing pattern in the fanlight. The windows contain small leaded panes with a greenish hue, and the roofs are made of stone slate with coping stones. The interior remains virtually unaltered, making it a rare survival. It features double chamfered arches in the north arcade that may be medieval in origin, a Tuscan column arcade, and a band vaulted ceiling. All furnishings are intact, including the west gallery, box pews, squire and parson's pews, a three-decker pulpit, and a communion rail. This church is an important example of an estate church closely related to the Hall.