St James’ Church, Shere
St James' Church, The Square, Shere, Guildford, Surrey, GU5 9HG
St James’ has been a place of worship since 1190. The spire, built between 1213 and 1300, is an excellent example of a brooch spire. The church is Norman, most being 12th, 13th and 14th century, of ironstone rubble with sandstone buttresses, restored in 1895 by S. Weatherley. By the north chancel wall there is a 14th century quatrefoil window and squint – belonging to Anchorite Cell. There is 14th century glass in the east window and the chancel fittings were renewed in 1956 by Louis Osman.
An intriguing aspect of St. James’ Church, is The Anchoress of Shere. Christine Carpenter, in 1329 made a solemn promise to devote her life to God and live in a holy place. On 14th August 1329, the Bishop of Winchester gave permission for her to be enclosed in a cell which was built in the North wall of the chancel. Food and drink was given to her through a grating on the outside wall. On the inside of the church can be seen the Quatrefoil through which she received the bread and wine of communion. Through the squint window, she could see the altar. Not surprisingly, after three years, she decided to leave her cell, but for reasons unknown, it is recorded that on 10th November 1332, the Bishop of Winchester agreed to her request to be returned to the cell so “she may be enabled to achieve her salvation”.
The attractive nature of our villages means it is often used for TV/Film location filming, notably ‘The Holiday’ and ‘Bridget Jones Edge of Reason’.
Timings & Tours
- Sunday 08 September:
- 1200 - 1600
- Saturday 14 September:
- 1200 - 1600
- Sunday 15 September:
- 1200 - 1600
Location & directions
St James' Church, The Square, Shere, Guildford, Surrey, GU5 9HG
- Directions:
- Parking in the village centre is difficult so it is advisable to use the car park at the recreation ground nearby. The car park is located on London Lane, Shere at the eastern end of Upper Street.
- Contact on day:
- Tim Heaney
- Telephone number:
- +441483202394
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Additional information
Tours of the belltower will also be available but check church website for timings: www.parishofshere.com
