Sunday…. Off to Church

Saint James, Swarkestone, Derbyshire

A mini discovery… well I did know this tiny Norman Church was here, passed it many times… my excuse is that the road is a little way off, and St. James is on the outskirts of Swarkestone village…. and effort on my part was needed.

Swarkestone Village lies alongside the River Trent and a village that often floods.  So perhaps that explains the location of St. James, a little way back from the Trent and and on ground ‘slightly’ higher than its surrounds

St. James is a Norman Church, records go back to 12th Century.  The Norman Tower is perhaps the only part of the church that is original.

Talking to a local historian who knows the church, his comment was. “St. James was indeed a Norman Church, great wall paintings and style…. then the Victorians came along in 1874/5 and ruined it (sorry improved it).”  No matter which side of the debate, St. James is still a little gem of a village Church.

Enjoy your Sunday… and as always….

Please Remember ….
Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

4th May
(C) David Oakes 2025