Church of St James, Coln St. Dennis facts for kids

The Church of St James is an old church in a village called Coln St. Dennis, located in the Cotswold area of England. It was built a very long time ago, in the 1100s! This church is considered a very important historical building, so it's protected as a Grade I listed building. This means it has special historical or architectural value. It belongs to the Church of England.

History of the Church

The Church of St James is named after Saint James the Great. He was one of Jesus's first followers. Over the centuries, the church has also been dedicated to other saints. In the 1200s, it was dedicated to Saint Katherine. Later, in the 1700s, it was dedicated to Saint Dennis. Some people also believe it was once dedicated to Saint Kenelm.

Changes Over Time

The church has a central tower. In the 1400s, a bell tower, called a belfry, was added to this tower. This part of the church was rebuilt in 1904. This rebuilding was part of a bigger project to restore the church. An architect named William Weir led this work. He worked for a group called the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. This group helps to keep old buildings safe and in good condition.

The church is part of a larger group of churches. This group is called a benefice. It includes churches in Chedworth, Yanworth, Stowell, Coln Rogers, and Coln St Dennis. All these churches are part of the Diocese of Gloucester. A diocese is an area managed by a bishop in the Church of England.

Church Architecture

The Church of St James was built in the Norman style. This style was popular in England after the Norman Conquest in 1066. It often features thick walls and round arches. Over time, new parts were added to the church. These additions include windows and other details in the Decorated Gothic and Perpendicular Gothic styles. These styles are known for their beautiful, detailed stone carvings and larger windows.

Building Materials and Layout

The church is made from limestone, a common stone in the Cotswolds. Its roof is made of stone slates. The building has a chancel, which is the area around the altar. It also has a nave, which is the main part of the church where people sit. The tower is located in the middle of the church, between the chancel and the nave.

Inside the Church

Inside, you can find an octagonal, or eight-sided, font. This font is where baptisms take place. It is also from the 1100s, just like the original church. There is also a piscina in the chancel. A piscina is a basin used for washing sacred vessels.

The church also has special wooden panels. One panel lists the names of people from the village who survived World War I. Another panel lists the names of those who died in World War I and World War II. These panels help us remember the sacrifices made by people from the village during these important historical events.