Dauntsey - St James The Great Church

St James The Great Church

St James the Great Church, situated on the edge of the village, can be accurately dated back to 1177 when Malmesbury Abbey claimed it. In 1263 it was gifted to the Lord of Dauntsey Park House and has belonged to the village ever since. In the 14th century the nave, north and south aisles were added. The north chapel and bell tower were built by the Danvers family in the 17th century. In 1763 it was given the name St James the Great of Dauntsey. There are many historical features in the church, from dates etched into pews by bored youngsters to the prime historical feature the 14th century doom board; one of only five in the country. It is situated above the rood screen with Christ in the centre of the top. The two characters under Jesus are John and Mary the mother of Jesus, these have been over painted in the past by residents of the manor house who had themselves put into the painting. To the right are two figures Adam and Eve being cast out of the garden of Eden by St Michael whelding his sword. At the bottom left are the dead in their shrouds, some have discarded their shrouds and are on their way to St Peter's gate and the others are headed for the yaws of the Devil depicted by a firebreathing monster at the bottom right. The painting was designed to put the fear of God into all who looked upon it. The First World War memorial window situated at the east end of the south aisle was designed and made by Kempe and Tower whose logo, a black tower above a golden garb or wheatsheaf, can be seen on the bottom left of the window. There are more features, including the ceiling and oak boxed pews. The church is open on Sundays throughout the summer.