Church of St James, church in Avebury, Wiltshire, England, UK
Church of St James is a place of worship in Avebury, England, that has served as a site for prayer for over 1500 years. It features thick stone walls with simple narrow windows and contains medieval woodwork inside, including a carved font from the early 12th century and a 15th-century rood screen.
The building has Anglo-Saxon foundations dating to around the 9th century, visible in its thick stone walls and round windows. Later Norman and medieval builders made changes and additions, including the 15th-century tower and a rebuilt chancel in the 13th century.
The church once served as a starting point for pilgrims heading to Santiago, Rome, and Jerusalem, who came here for a blessing before their spiritual journey. Carved shells and medieval emblems remain visible on the outer walls, marking Avebury's historical role as a stopping place for these travelers.
The church is located near Avebury's stone circle and is accessible during daylight hours, though reaching it requires a short walk from the village car park. The interior is quiet and suitable for reflection while exploring medieval details on walls, windows, and furnishings.
During the Reformation, the medieval rood screen was destroyed, but villagers hid the wood behind a false wall where it remained safe for centuries. The screen was rediscovered in the early 19th century and is now one of the church's most treasured pieces.
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