Saturday 4 February 2017

St James the Less Pangbourne



I visited this church back in 2009 so the photos shown are from my first DSLR with most likely the stock lens it came with. The photo coverage is also not how I do it today and was aslo done with two cameras, I may revisit the church again in the future. The only history I can find is from Berkshire History . "The first church here was built some time prior to 1175. It is supposed to have been rebuilt around the time of the Restoration (1660) and the huge brick tower was added in 1718. However, by 1865, the "dilapidation of the building had very far advanced" and nave and chancel were completely rebuilt. The restorers were keen to preserve what historic architecture or fittings they could, but none were to be found. Only the Jacobean pulpit, the Royal Arms (since doctored to appear Hanovarian) and the monuments to Sir John Davis and others were retained."  you can read more by visiting the link


St James the less looking from over the opposite side of the road







The church sits in pleasant surroundings on one side of the village. The war memorial sits to the South side of the church













 The chancel end of the church













with one of the windows to the left, on the right is the large chancel window that lets in the morning light















The brick bell tower is the part that really stands out with the church and is recognisable as 18th century









The churchyard looking towards the bell tower















The entrance porch with the statue of Christ above











Looking back up the churchyard beside the porch







On the left is a family plot though I failed to see who it belonged to, on the right is a tomb














Round the back the churchyard extends quite a way













with some interesting headstone there















you also find a few fenced family vaults











These containers were stacked round the back of the church and I'd love to know what they were










Going inside you can see the re ordered altar in the chancel arch







Above is the South aisle and the North one is on the left
The beautiful Chancel window
























The church also has more wonderful looking stained glass windows


I'm not sure where this window is but I suspect at the back of one of the aisles



The organ is tucked away neatly to one side of the Chancel





























The arches in front of the organ with one of the carved endstops nearby





This is what the organ hides. The tomb and effigy of Sir John Davies
which to me is a shame. I find it had to believe I'm looking at some one who Knew Queen Elizabeth I 




A shame I presume his two sons did not keep their heads


















The skull here is above Sir Johns tomb while on the right you can read of his achievements































There are more memorials you can see on the walls around the church









Above is royal coat of arms


The church font



There are quite a few hatchments in the church



































More memorials under these two hatchments





Memorial to Arthur Sackville Trevor Griffith-Boscawen




The roll of honour for Pangbourne






Above the Jacobean Pulpit and some of the kneelers in the church





More kneelers on the back of the pews





The Font cover




Memorial to Gertrude Helen Craven

















3 comments:

  1. Wonderful photos. A very comprehensive tour of this great church and yard. The Bell Tower really does stand out.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello, Bill!
    Old English churches and cemeteries are real gems of this land.
    I admire your great pictures.
    Have a nice Sunday:)
    Lucja

    ReplyDelete
  3. Bill, an interesting combination of brick and stone nd the window are gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete

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