St James's Church

St James's Church is a Gothic Revival church building in Adamsdown, Cardiff, that features a prominent tower with a pointed spire above the northeast entrance. The main body is constructed from pink-grey stone with a central nave, side aisles, and a semicircular chancel at the east end.

The church was designed between 1891 and 1894 by architect E.M. Bruce Vaughan to replace an earlier iron building at the corner of Newport Road and Glossop Road. Following a fire in 1925, architects Willmot & Smith undertook restoration work that brought new elements to the interior.

The octagonal pulpit made in 1892 displays painted figures of important preachers, while the decorative panel behind the altar shows statues created by skilled craftspeople. These works show the quality of religious craftsmanship from that era.

The building is protected as a historic site, which means any major work requires special permission to maintain its original character. Most visitors find it helpful to call ahead if they want to explore the interior closely.

A fire in 1925 damaged the building but led to thoughtful restorations that added marble steps at the chancel and a decorative screen to honor those lost in war. These post-fire additions created an interesting layer to the building's interior story.

Location: Cardiff

Location: Adamsdown

Architects: E. M. Bruce Vaughan

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Elevation above the sea: 10.3 m

GPS coordinates: 51.48420,-3.16370

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:09