Building record 1938/1/1 - Church of St James

Church of St James. Probably dates before Conquest, but not in Domesday. Granted as 'Capella de Christleton' to Abbey of St Werburgh before 1093 by Robert Fitz Hugh. After Dissolution advowson fell into private hands (1). Present building-Late C15 tower, rest 1874-77 by W Butterfield. Ashlar red sandstone & slate roof. Nave & chancel in 1 range, N & S aisles, S porch, side chapels to chancel & 2-stage W tower. Porch with arched entrance on engaged columns. Tall gabled & buttressed side chapel. Tower has diagonal buttresses & stair turret. Pyramid cap is addition by Butterfield. Internal: Decorated with red & white sand- stone.5-bay nave arcades of chamfered arches on octagonal piers. Clerestorey windows over piers & all windows have wooden lintels. Wagon roof is sprung from stone corbels. Tall, narrow, triple-chamfered tower arch.2-bay arcades to side chapels with sanctuary beyond with alabaster reredos. Above roof has painted quatrefoil panels. Painted panels of royal arms dated 1665. Description (2).

<1> Ormerod, G., 1882, The History of the County Palatine and City of Chester, 2/780-1 (Y) (Book). SCH1389.

<2> Department of the Environment, 1971-2005, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, /3/25 (Report). SCH1934.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ46NW29/1964 (Index). SCH2487.