About Us
The Parish of St. James Bishampton and The Chapelry, Throckmorton is now associated with the Five Alive Parish covering Charlton, Cropthorne, Fladbury, Lower Moor and Wyre Piddle. We hope you will feel welcome visiting any of our churches.
We are committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer(s), PSOs. The Diocese of Worcester’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.
St. James Church, Bishampton
The Church, formerly named St Peter’s but now dedicated to St James, was originally built in the 12th century, with a tower added in the 14th century. The church was rebuilt in 1870 by Frederick Preedy, when the figure carved on the pulpit was St James instead of St Peter; it was easier to change the name of the church than to remake the pulpit – that just about sums us up! Click on the link marked quiz to test your knowledge!
Over recent years the church has undergone significant re-ordering to meet the needs of 21st century worship. With support from the Friends of St James, new heating and lighting has been installed, as well as the construction of the Bothy, which houses the WC and kitchen facilities.
There are six bells that have recently been refurbished 80 years after they were last rehung. In November 2017 we celebrated their return with a Festival of Bells. We have movable pine pews and individual seating for approximately 150 plus choir stalls. Click on the link below to learn more.
Church attendance is increasing, seeing some friends returning and new residents attending. We are actively trying to make the church a more user-friendly space and as such, hold a variety of Annual events such as The Village Fete, Heritage Day, Great Easter Egg Hunt, and Christmas Concert.
We also hold a number of special events such as History Society talks, Scalextric's events serving hot food, Mediaeval Banquets, Fashion Shows, Beetle drives and much more.
The Chapelry, Throckmorton
The earliest mention of Throckmorton is in a charter of St Wulfstan, Bishop of Worcester 1062-1095. Throckmorton church is not dedicated to a saint but classed as a chapelry. The church building dates mainly from the 13th century, although the north windows, the oldest unaltered ones, are probably 14th century. The upper stages of the tower are of the 15th century, and the Chapelry is one of only five in the county to have a central tower. There is one bell out of the original four still working.
Most of the major restoration work was carried out in 1880, however, in 1976 the church was in such a bad state of repair that the Worcester Diocese put it on the redundant churches list. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Harrison family, the funds were raised to carry out substantial repair works, and the Throckmorton Village Charity was set up. The dedication of the Throckmorton Village Charity and the PCC now sees The Chapelry in a good state of repair.
The church has no dedicated mains electricity, the pipe organ is run from a generator. The church is lit by oil lamps and candles, and is very atmospheric.
The village of Throckmorton and Tilesford have a population of approximately 200 people. There is no shop or public house in the village, however, in Tilesford there is a residential care home with private bungalows around it for the elderly.