Church of St James

The Church of St James stands in the heart of Chipping Campden, a small town in the Cotswold District of Gloucestershire. Built in the 15th century, it incorporates parts of an earlier Norman church from 1180. The church is a Grade I listed building, recognised for its historical and architectural importance. It belongs to the Vale and Cotswold Edge benefice within the Diocese of Gloucester. The town itself is known for its historic wool trade, which shaped the region’s prosperity in past centuries. The church is an early example of a perpendicular Cotswold wool church, reflecting the wealth generated by the wool industry. Its architecture includes a five-bay nave, a three-bay chancel, two aisles, and a five-stage west tower rising 36 metres high. Inside, medieval altar frontals from around 1500 and a cope from about 1400 survive. The church also features monuments to notable figures, including silk merchant Sir Baptist Hicks and his family. A plaque honours William Grevel, celebrated as the leading wool merchant of his time. Visitors find a grand interior with medieval craftsmanship and later additions. The tower dominates the skyline, offering a landmark for the town. Inside, the altar frontals and cope provide glimpses of medieval artistry. The monuments to Sir Baptist Hicks and William Grevel highlight the church’s ties to the wool trade. The building’s architecture reflects both its religious purpose and its role in local history.