Church of St James

The Church of St James is a Norman building in Bramley constructed from flint with stone trimming and a red brick western tower. The structure sits beneath a tiled roof supported by strong buttresses that reinforce the walls.

The building was constructed around 1150 during the Norman period in medieval England. A west tower was added in 1636 and architect John Soane made significant alterations to it in 1802.

The walls hold medieval paintings showing scenes of martyrdom, including an image of Thomas Becket's death. These artworks tell stories that made sense to medieval worshippers and remain visible today.

The church is accessible on days when services or events take place and the building is open to visitors. It is helpful to check in advance when you can enter and what rules apply for people looking to visit inside.

Physicist Lise Meitner, who made important discoveries in nuclear physics, is buried in the churchyard here. She rests beside her brother Walter in this quiet burial ground.

Location: Bramley

Inception: 12 century

GPS coordinates: 51.32640,-1.07578

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:20