St James' Parish Church, Wetherby

St James' Parish Church is an Anglican place of worship in Wetherby featuring Victorian Gothic Revival architecture with a tall sandstone tower and ornate painted ceilings with pendant lamps. The interior displays artistic stained glass windows and elaborate decorative details throughout the space.

The building was consecrated in 1842 and replaced an earlier thatched chapel that stood in Market Square until 1760, serving the growing population of Wetherby. The new construction fulfilled the rising religious needs of the expanding town.

The interior contains oak furniture crafted by the Robert Thompson studio of Kilburn, whose distinctive carved details were installed during the 1887 renovation period. These handcrafted pieces still shape the appearance of the worship space today.

The building is open to visitors during service hours and provides a clear view of Victorian architecture and interior details. Those who take time can examine the painted ceilings and stained glass windows at a leisurely pace.

The building displays a royal coat of arms from 1776 attributed to King George III, featuring an unusual detail: a lion with a moustached face. This rare feature reveals the playful or artistic interpretation by the craftsman who created the coat of arms.

Location: Wetherby

Website: http://stjameswetherby.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 53.92995,-1.38628

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:22