St. James Church - II

This church is filled with surprises. It is a grade I listed building that is large but not huge and stylish but not fancy.

The church's website tells us that

St James' is one of the finest wool churches in the country. Much of the current building dates from the 13th and 14th centuries; a testament to the significance of the town and the wealth of the medieval merchants who paid for its construction.

 You can tell from the dress of the effigies that these were two very rich wool merchants. The Cotswolds were/are the host to extensive sheep farming because the nature of the geology here means that grass grows extensively rather than an expanse of forest.

In the Noel Chantry is another memorial of note; that of Sir Baptist Hicks, who built the nearby almshouses and the picturesque Market Hall. Hicks gave money for the pulpit and lectern, and also gave £200 to re-roof the nave. His striking monument is built of marble columns supporting a canopy. (source)

In spite of the impressive tombs, the organ is modest. I guess money is spent on what is important to the folks with the money.

The chancel is seen at the far end of the choir.

Over the following centuries the chancel was enlarged, aisles added, and south porch built. In 1490 the nave was rebuilt in Perpendicular Gothic style, supported on the original Norman foundations. One unusual feature was a large window above the chancel arch, a rarity in English parish churches, which floods the interior with light. (source)

Nonetheless, the choir is well styled from beautiful wood and bright red carpet.

One of the unique items here is the cope. Yeah, I had to look that one up too. Inside a glass case is a completely resorted cope dating from about 1400. It is rare indeed for such an ancient piece of clothing to be held in the original church. Indeed, I think this is the only one in the UK.