St James, Norton

St James, Norton

St James Church and preaching cross

Shown within Sheffield
Basic information
Location Norton, Sheffield, England
Geographic coordinates
Affiliation Church of England
Year consecrated 11th-century
Website www.stjameschurch.org
Architectural description
Architectural type Church
Specifications
Materials Stone

St James' Church lies in the Norton district of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

Although the village of Norton was recorded in the Domesday Book, no church was noted. John Charles Cox believed that the first church in the village was probably founded by Robert FitzRanulph, who also founded nearby Beauchief Abbey.[1] One doorway survives from this earliest period, surrounded by heavily restored zigzag moulding.[2]

Churchyard

A mediaeval preaching cross lies in the churchyard. Its gritstone base, with four steps, and plinth are thought by English Heritage to be original, while its socket stone and shaft are believed to be 18th- or 19th-century replacements. It is not known whether the replacement shaft original carried a new cross, or whether it instead supported a sundial. The cross is a scheduled ancient monument,[3] and is grade II listed.[4]

The Chantrey family tomb also lies in the graveyard. It was designed by the sculptor Francis Chantrey, and was completed in 1841. He is among the family members buried there. The tomb is also grade II listed.[5]

References

  1. ^ John Charles Cox, Notes on the churches of Derbyshire: Volume 1, p.291
  2. ^ "CHURCH OF ST JAMES THE GREAT, NORTON CHURCH ROAD", English Heritage
  3. ^ "Standing cross at the Church of St James, Norton", English Heritage
  4. ^ PREACHING CROSS 15 METRES SOUTH OF CHURCH OF ST JAMES, NORTON CHURCH ROAD, English Heritage
  5. ^ "TOMB OF SIR FRANCIS CHANTREY 5 METRES SOUTH WEST OF CHURCH OF ST JAMES", English Heritage

External links