Church of St James, Rudry

St James’s Church stands in the small village of Rudry, a quiet settlement in the Diocese of Monmouth. Built in the 13th century as a wayside shrine for pilgrims, it became a chapel of ease to Bedwas parish church by 1295. For over six centuries it served this role before becoming an independent parish in 1914. The church holds baptismal records dating back to 1627 and once fell under the patronage of the Bishop of Llandaf, who appointed its priests until 1920. A local tale claims Oliver Cromwell hid here during the English Civil War, though no firm proof exists. The eccentric Father William Price served as priest in the late 18th century and was known for swimming naked in local ponds. The building was restored in 1885 by John Prichard, a noted church architect of the time. It gained Grade II listed status in 1963, recognising its historic importance. The church tower was refurbished in the early 2010s to preserve its structure. Inside, visitors find simple furnishings that reflect its long use as a place of worship. The font, where William Price’s son was baptised in 1800, remains in place. The interior walls carry the marks of centuries of prayer and community life. A quiet atmosphere lingers among the worn pews and ancient timbers. Outside, the churchyard holds two Commonwealth War Graves marking the graves of First World War soldiers. Private David John Jones of the Australian Infantry and Gunner Walter James Moses of the Royal Garrison Artillery are buried here. Nearby stands a war memorial and three chest tombs belonging to the Moses family, all Grade II listed. The graves are tended with care, and the peaceful surroundings offer a place for quiet reflection. The church itself sits at the heart of the village, close to Ruperra Castle where King Charles I once stayed. Rudry’s lanes lead gently down to the church, inviting visitors to pause and remember.