St.James' Church, Poole

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St. James is a Church in Poole, Dorset, England. The church is located in the historic quarter of the town and near the Poole Quay. It is the parish church for the St James sub district. R. Mason is the current Reverend of the church. Today the church is still in use by the local population and has a large playgroup.

The church has long been associated with the local fishing trade and is known locally as ‘the fishermen’s church’. The church has anunusual weather vane fashioned in the shape of a fish. The church was mostly rebuilt in the 18th century, around 1820, in Georgian style, although the effigies inside the church date from the 14th century. The church is seen as a prime example of English Georgian religious architecture.

[edit] Bell Legend

The church has a long tradition of bell ringing. Local lore has it that during Edward VI’s reign, the Duke of Somerset ordered eight bells to be sold in aid of Poole’s fortification. Unfortunately the bells were lost at sea during passage to Holland.