St James' Church
Cameley
A beautiful and unique twelfth-century church of historical significance
St James' Church, Cameley
St James’ Church, Cameley, is one of England’s unspoilt treasures, with a unique atmosphere and charm. Its greatest treasures, however, are contained within its almost unaltered interior. The poet Sir John Betjeman described it as a ‘Rip Van Winkle’ church, and it features in Sir Simon Jenkins’ book England’s Thousand Best Churches.
The magnificent collection of wall paintings, dating from the twelfth century to the eighteenth century, was first uncovered in the 1960s, and the varied designs perfectly demonstrate the changing history of St James’ from before and after the Reformation.
Support our fundraising project
The wall paintings at St James’ now urgently require conservation work, as they have been largely untreated since they were first uncovered.
The total cost of the project has been estimated at £35,000, and the Friends of St James’ Cameley wish to begin the work as soon as possible because of the rapidly declining state of the paintings.
For more information about this important conservation project, please
click here.
Events at St James' Church, Cameley
Join us at St James' on Tuesday 10th and Saturday 14th June 2025 from 2.00 to 4.00 p.m. for two special open afternoons.
The activities will include a guided tour of the church and the opportunity to listen to stories about the church, courtesy of the Mendip Storytelling Circle.
Services
