St James' Church, Audlem

This Anglican place of worship stands prominently on a hill in the village center, constructed from red sandstone with Gothic architectural features including pointed arches, embattled clerestory windows, and a northwest tower topped with decorative pinnacles.

The church traces its origins to around 1250 when Thomas de Aldelim donated the land to St Thomas's Priory in Stafford during Edward I's reign, with significant Victorian renovations carried out by architects Lynam and Thomas Rickman in 1855-56.

The building serves as the spiritual heart of the community, hosting regular Anglican services, weddings, and festivals while displaying historical artifacts including Jacobean furnishings, medieval memorial boards, and stained glass windows created by renowned artists William Wailes and Charles Kempe.

Visitors can access the church via a ramped entrance for mobility assistance or climb the 26 semicircular steps to the south porch, with nearby parking available and public transport connections through D&G Bus services along the A532 from Crewe.

The church houses a complete ring of six bells cast by Abel Rudhall in 1736 and maintains parish registers dating back to 1557, while archaeological discoveries during Victorian renovations revealed medieval wall paintings hidden beneath centuries of plaster layers.

Location: Audlem

Inception: 13 century

Architects: Thomas Rickman

Architectural style: English Gothic architecture

Website: https://audlemstjameschurch.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 52.98910,-2.50790

Latest update: July 24, 2025 11:19