Church of St James

The Church of St James stands in the village of South Anston in South Yorkshire. It began as a small chapel in the 12th century under Louth Park Abbey. Later it became part of York Minster’s prebend of Anston. The building shows layers of Norman, Decorated Gothic and Perpendicular Gothic styles. Its walls are made of pale cream magnesium limestone from local quarries. In 1966 English Heritage gave the church Grade I listed status. The church is worth visiting for its medieval craftsmanship and later restorations. In the 14th century builders added the north aisle and enlarged the chancel. The west tower with its recessed octagonal spire became a local landmark. Between 1871 and 1874 Sheffield architect Charles Hadfield restored the nave roof and exposed original Norman stonework. The Dukes of Leeds once held the church’s tithes after the Reformation. Inside, the south porch still has a round-arched doorway with chevron and billet moulding from the 12th century. The north arcade’s octagonal piers and pointed arches date from the early 14th century. The chancel contains a double piscina with trefoil arches and a stained-glass window showing St James. A worn 14th-century stone effigy in the north aisle may represent a medieval benefactor. Outside, a Grade II war memorial cross stands in the churchyard.