St. James, Clapton on the Hill, Cheltenham

Description

The church of St James is a chapelry of Bourton-on the-Water, was an early possession of Evesham Abbey, and is one of the smallest churches in the Cotswolds. It is an active church which is an integral part of the community of Clapton.

There is a small garden for reflection, and views over the Windrush valley.

Most of the building is 12th/13th century, with major restoration from the 17th century. The present bell is inscribed "Henry Bagley made mee 1742" and was cleaned, rehung and rededicated in 1986 following strengthening of the campanile. The gable ends have wide stone coping with 17th century finial crosses, and there is the base of an old cross in the churchyard. A trigonometry mark is to be found on the south west corner of the church. The wrought iron horseshoe gate to the church pathway was made by local craftsman Raymond Phillips, and the horseshoe gate to the Garden of Remembrance - (given by the MacBrayne family) was made by villager Peter Tissaw. The latest work is a new window in the north chancel to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, engraved by Philip Lawson Johnson, January 2012.

Standard opening times - during winter months the church is open to visitors from 10.30 am - 4 pm., otherwise during daylight hours. Services are held on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at 9.30 am.

Location

Clapton on the Hill, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 2LG, United Kingdom

Directions

Grid Reference: SP16298 17920

By Car: Clapton on the Hill is 3 miles from Bourton-on-the-Water. From Bourton-on-the-Water turn left onto the A429 towards Cirencester. After 2 miles turn left at signpost to Clapton and Sherborne. Follow sign on country road to Clapton on the Hill.

No public transport (bus only once a week).

On foot - refer to Ordnance Survey map OL45

Facilities

There are two steps leading into the church building, although the surrounding area and garden is wheelchair friendly. The nearest toilet facilities are at Bourton-on-the-Water.

There is a small coffee shop in Sherborne and numerous tea rooms etc in Bourton-on-the-Water. B & B at the Manor House and several local self-catering facilities.

Hospitaller/Contact Person

Patricia Taylor,
Ashfield House
Clapton on the Hill
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL54 2LG

Tel: 01451 821939

Email:

Web Link

http://www.bourtonparishchurch.co.uk

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