St James's Church, Trowbridge

St James's Church in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, is a magnificent testament to the enduring spirit of English ecclesiastical architecture. This Grade I listed building, dating back to the 15th century, stands as the most prominent landmark in the town, drawing visitors with its historic charm and architectural splendor.

The History of St James's Church

The origins of St James's Church can be traced back to a Saxon wooden church, likely built on higher ground overlooking the River Biss. This primitive structure was eventually replaced by a stone church in the mid-10th century. As the town grew, a new parish church was constructed around 1200 to serve the burgeoning population, marking the beginning of the church's long and storied history.

The 14th century brought significant alterations and additions to the church, including the construction of a spire and the potential rebuilding of the chancel by John of Gaunt, the lord of the manor. By around 1450, the nave and chapels were demolished and rebuilt in the grand Perpendicular Gothic style, resulting in the splendid structure we admire today. The tower, spire, and chancel from the earlier church were preserved, adding a layer of historical continuity to the building.

During the reign of Elizabeth I, the chancel was adorned with an elaborate ribbed plaster ceiling, earning the church a description of being 'lightsome and fair' by John Leland in 1540. However, the 17th and 18th centuries saw periods of neglect, as non-conformist activity in the town led many wealthy townspeople away from the parish church. By the mid-19th century, the church was in a state of disrepair, with the spire held together by iron bands and pieces of masonry falling off.

Restoration and Resilience

The church's revival came under the energetic guidance of Rev. J. D. Hastings, who spearheaded a comprehensive restoration completed in 1848. This restoration not only saved the church but also included the tidying up of the churchyard and the widening of Church Street. Despite the graveyard being closed in 1856, the church itself retained only 18 pre-restoration monuments, preserving a sense of its long history.

St James's Church faced near disaster twice in the late 20th century. In May 1986, a fire caused substantial damage to the nave's roof, leading to a costly restoration. Then, in January 1990, the Burns' Day Storm blew off the top 20 feet of the spire, causing it to crash through the nave ceiling. Miraculously, no one was injured, and the church was restored once again, demonstrating the resilience of this historic structure.

Architectural Marvels

St James's Church is a striking example of Gothic architecture, predominantly in the Perpendicular style. Its tall, slender spire, the second highest in Wiltshire after Salisbury Cathedral, reaches an impressive height of 160 feet (49 meters). The extensive 19th-century restoration preserved much of the medieval architecture, including the chancel, south chapel, arcades, clerestory, and spire.

The nave is particularly noteworthy, featuring a large and wide arcade, a small clerestory, and a highly decorative panelled plaster ceiling adorned with winged cartouches. The nave aisles extend westwards, almost enclosing the west wall of the tower. The tower itself boasts a fan vault below the ringing room, a feature mirrored in the north porch.

The Bells of St James's

The tower of St James's Church originally housed a peal of eight bells cast in 1800 by James Wells of Aldbourne, Wiltshire. Over the years, the bells underwent several recastings and augmentations. In 1934, John Taylor & Co of Loughborough recast the entire peal, adding additional metal to create Wiltshire's first and only peal of twelve bells. The bells are now hung in a cast iron frame in two tiers, with five bells on the lower tier and seven on the upper tier, ensuring their harmonious chimes continue to resonate through Trowbridge.

Notable Rectors and Memorials

Among the notable rectors of St James's Church was the poet George Crabbe, who served from 1814 until his death in 1832. His memorial, a poignant tribute to his contributions, can be found within the church. The churchyard is also the final resting place of Thomas Helliker, an alleged Luddite and trade union martyr, whose story adds to the rich tapestry of the church's history.

In conclusion, St James's Church in Trowbridge is not just a place of worship but a living monument to the town's history and heritage. Its architectural beauty, historical significance, and the stories of resilience and revival make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the charming town of Trowbridge. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, St James's Church promises a journey through time and a glimpse into the enduring spirit of this remarkable community.