The buried heart of a vicar; a gravestone of three children paid for by the generosity of people around Europe; a visible sign in the stonework of five centuries of prayer – and an ancient toilet site.
These and other discoveries are to be found at St James’ the Less Church in Foxcote, which sits alongside the parish of Shoscombe, and dates from the 12th century.
It is one of the Church of England’s hidden gems.
With a list of Rectors dating back to 1325, the church was largely rebuilt in 1721 and contains late Norman, medieval and Georgian features.
A new series of QR code videos – a collaboration between the parish, broadcaster Martin Palmer and Nicholas Brown, director of the King’s film about the environment to be released in 2026 – makes these stories accessible for the first time to everyone.
They can be downloaded while walking in and round the church or from anywhere in the world.
As well as telling you about things particular to this church – including the remnants of a just-rediscovered medieval piscina in the wall, a renovation in Georgian times where they clearly ran out of money and of course that buried heart – the series gives you things to look for in almost any old church anywhere in Europe. For example, why do they all face east; what is the threat from the North; and why does the font have a drain straight into the foundations of the church.
The tour of the church can be undertaken in two ways:
– A personal visit which includes opportunities to scan QR codes as visitors look around the building and the grounds
– By visiting online: https://www.stjsgroup.church/take-a-virtual-tour-of-st-james-the-less-with-martin-palmer
St James’ Church is located at Green Street, Foxcote, BA3 5YE
Nicolas Brown has been producing award-winning programmes on environmental issues for years including working with David Attenborough, Pope Francis, Barack Obama and King Charles III. Martin Palmer was HRH the Prince Philip’s Religious Adviser on the Environment for 35 years and together with Prince Philip started the largest civil society movement to protect the planet – the faith and environment movement. He is regularly to be heard on the BBC while Nicolas is director of the forthcoming film with HM King Charles to be released in 2026.
The Foxcote series is entitled Nine Hundred Years of Stillness which captures much of the beauty and simplicity of this small country church on its gentle hill.
St James the Less is part of the St J’s group with St John’s, Peasedown and St Julian’s, Wellow.
Church Vicar, Revd Matthew Street, said:
“We’re pleased to be able to launch this new online virtual tour of St James’ Church with the help of Martin Palmer.
An international specialist on all major faiths, religious traditions and cultures, Martin is the author and editor of more than 20 books on religious and environmental topics. He has translated many ancient Chinese texts, is a regular broadcaster and a lay preacher in the Church of England.
His enthusiasm for local history has helped us create this new online tour of our church, meaning that millions of people around the world can now enjoy it’s hidden historical treasures.”
For more information about the St J’s Group, which is the Anglican benefice of church that St James’ Church sits within, contact the benefice administrator Rob Bubyer on 01761 300410 or email office@stjsgroup.church
Alternatively, visit the St J’s Group online, www.stjsgroup.church, which includes details of future events, the church’s work in the community, activities going on during the week and live recordings of Sunday sermons.
