Location, Location, Location; how it impacts the circumstances of a building. Here in the Wiltshire village of North Newnton the church of St James could tell this tale. Built adjacent to a tributary of the Avon the church has long been troubled by the effects of the wet subsoil and has recently been the subject of repair. A useful reminder to the visitor of the continuing expense of maintaining even these relatively small structures.
Although records of a church begin here in AD 963, the current structure dates from the 13'th century, with the nave being rebuilt in 14'th century and a tower added in the 15'th century tower. The dedication to St James also dates from the 15'th century. The nave and chancel, as is often the case, being extensively rebuilt in the mid 19'th century with a new chancel arch. For many years after WW2 the church was closed and opened again after restoration in 1959.
This church is normally open and was photographed for theChurchPhotographer in June 2010. It sits in a small graveyard partly surrounded by mature trees and bordered by the stream.
