Clapton-on-the-Hill, St James Church

St James Church, Clapton-on-the-Hill

Clapton-on-the-Hill sits on the slope of a ridge overlooking the Vale of Bourton, with views to Bourton-on-the-Water below on the valley floor. In the centre of the small village stands the 12th-century church of St James, one of the smallest parish churches in Gloucestershire.

History

The church's stonework suggests that it was built in the middle of the 12th century, but there are no written records, perhaps because it began as a chapel of ease for St Lawrence Church in Bourton.

The relationship with Bourton was not always smooth; in 1636 the rector of Bourton wanted the chapel pulled down and commanded that no prayers should be said there. This prompted the residents of Clapton to demand that their chapel become an independent parish church, but it remained linked to Bourton.

The Norman font

By 1736 the inhabitants complained that the rector of Bourton offered them Communion only once a year, though by 1805 the south aisle of Bourton given to the residents of Clapton.

St James' Church is extremely simple in layout, with a chancel, nave, north vestry, and south porch. There is no tower, only a stumpy bell turret over the chancel arch. Both the east and west gables are topped by 17th-century finial crosses.

13th-century Latin inscription, chancel arch

Medieval Text

The most interesting historical feature can be found on the north respond of the 12th-century chancel arch. Here, carved into the stone, is a Latin verse in Lombardic script, dating to roughly 1289.

The original Latin has been transcribed as:

'Qui ter devote pater ave genebus ipse Dixerit, en merces sunt sibi mille dies’.

The inscription translates to:

'Whoever shall say three times devoutly a Pater and an Ave on his knees and in person - lo! There is a reward then and there of a thousand days.'

On either side of the chancel arch are faded scriptural texts dating from the 17th century. The nave roof stretches three bays and features a 17th century collar and tie truss roof.

Near the south door is an ancient font in tub style which has been re-cut to fit an octagonal base.

Priscilla Woodman grave slab, 1763

Memorials

Set into the nave floor at the west end of the nave are four 18th-century grave slabs to members of the Wise family, while in the chancel aisle are three grave slabs to Woodman family members, covering the late 17th and early 18th century.

Particularly poignant is the grave slab to Priscilla Woodman, wife of Philip Woodman, who died in 1763. Also commemorated on the same slab are two children, Philip Woodman (junior), who died at just nine years old, and John, who died in infancy.

Perhaps surprisingly, there are few memorials aside from the grave slabs, but there is a lovely, if worn, marble plaque commemorating the gift of the east window by George Moore, in honour of 14 local men who served in World War One. Three of the 14 are marked with a cross, signifying that they died in the war.

17th-century wall painting

A small rectangular window in the north wall has been etched with a design commemorating Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

In the churchyard you can see the stump of a medieval churchyard cross, though the shaft is gone. Outside the churchyard is a lovely and peaceful Garden of Remembrance.

Visiting

St James' Church is a delight, and the location is idyllic. There is no dedicated parking, so we advise that you park along the verge of the village green and walk 100 yards to the church. The church was open when we visited and, as far as we can determine, is regularly open to visitors.