Church of St James, Cameley

The Church of St James in Cameley is a medieval structure with a fifteenth-century tower built from red Mendip sandstone. The main walls use blue lias limestone, creating a striking color contrast that is visible from outside.

This church was founded in the early twelfth century and contains wall paintings from several periods extending to the seventeenth century. The paintings include religious scenes as well as secular figures like jesters and royal emblems that reveal what mattered to people at different times.

The furnishings inside tell the story of how church design changed across centuries. Medieval benches sit alongside Georgian pews and an early seventeenth-century pulpit, showing how people added and updated things over time.

The interior is quite small and fits about 60 to 80 people for gatherings, with no modern conveniences like running water available. Access involves climbing three fairly deep steps at the entrance, so wear comfortable shoes and be aware of this slight challenge.

A living bee colony has made this church its home, nesting within the building itself. These bees add an unexpected natural dimension to visiting this ancient stone structure today.