St James's Church, Llangua facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St James's Church |
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| Location | Llangua, Monmouthshire |
| Country | Wales |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Status | parish church |
| Founded | C15th century |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* |
| Designated | 9 January 1956 |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Llangua |
| Deanery | Ewyas Harold |
| Diocese | Hereford |
The Church of St James is an old church located in Llangua, a village in the north-east part of Monmouthshire, Wales. Even though it's in Wales, this church belongs to the Church of England, not the Church in Wales. It's part of the Kentchurch parish, which is in the Diocese of Hereford. This church is also a special historic building, protected as a Grade II* listed building. This means it's very important and needs to be preserved.
Contents
A Look Back: The Church's Story
The Church of St James was first dedicated to St Kew. St Kew was a saint from Cornwall, and people believe she was born right here in Llangua.
When Was the Church Built?
The church you see today was built in the 14th century. That's a very long time ago! It has been repaired and updated a few times since then. These updates happened in 1889 and again between 1954 and 1955.
Why is it in the Church of England?
In 1886, the church in Llangua joined with the church in Kentchurch. Kentchurch is just across the border in Herefordshire, England.
Later, in 1914, a law called the Welsh Church Act 1914 was passed. This law allowed churches near the Wales-England border to choose if they wanted to be part of the Church of England or the Church in Wales. The people of "Kentchurch with Langan" (which included Llangua) voted to stay with the Church of England.
Who Helped Restore the Church?
The repairs in the 20th century were paid for by Ivor Bulmer-Thomas. He used to be in charge of a group called the Redundant Churches Fund, which helps save old churches. He paid for the work in memory of his wife.
What the Church Looks Like
The Church of St James is built using a type of stone called Old Red Sandstone. This stone gives the church a warm, reddish-brown color.
The Tower and Inside
The church tower has a unique wooden cap on top that looks like a Pyramid. Inside the church, many parts were changed during the repairs in the 20th century. There's a special painted screen inside with four panels. People say this screen came from an old chapel in Whitford, Devon, that was taken down.
