| Church of St James | |
| Location: | Cameley, Somerset, England |
| Coordinates: | |
| Built: | 12th century |
| Listed Building – Grade I | |
| Designated: | 21 September 1960[1] |
| Reference #: | 32737 |
|
Location of Church of St James in Somerset
|
|
The Church of St James is a redundant church in Cameley, Somerset, England, dating from the late 12th century. It has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade I listed building,[1] and is in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.[2] It was declared redundant on 1 January 1980, and was vested in the Trust on 18 March 1981.[3]
The tower, probably from the 15th century with 19th-century restoration, is built of red Mendip stone which contrasts with the local blue lias limestone of the rest of the church. The tower contains a bell dating from 1779 and made by William Bilbie of the Bilbie family.[4]
There are fragments of wall paintings on the nave north and south walls. Fragments from the 12th to the 17th century have been identified, the most impressive being the fine early 17th-century Ten Commandments over the chancel arch, framed in twining leaves with cherubs' faces peering out. These remained hidden behind whitewash until the 1960s leading John Betjeman to describe it as "Rip Van Winkle's Church".[5]
The west gallery is dated 1711 but with Jacobean style balusters and attached Charles I coat of arms. The south gallery is dated 1819. There are two early 19th-century monuments to the Rees-Mogg family on the north wall of the nave, and a brass plaque commemorating the nine people from the village who died in World War I.[6] The church is surrounded by trees.
Several of the monuments in the churchyard are Grade II listed.[7][8]