IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Church Street, ATHERSTONE, CV9 3PJ

The board reads 'St James' Church Twycross Diocese of Leicester' but it is obviously in need of some TLC. Among the notices displayed is one from Dr Luke Evans, MP for Hinckley and Bosworth.

Showing the west end of the 14th century church of St James. Note the carpet of buttercups at the foot of the tower.

St James's Church is substantially of 14th century origin. Major alterations were carried out in 1840, elongating the north aisle to accommodate the Curzon family and their staff from Gopsall Hall; the south porch also dates from this time. The stained glass in the east window is notable; it is said that it was originally in the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris and came to Twycross by way of William IV and Earl Howe of Gopsall Hall. The church is nowadays part of the delightfully named Sheepy Benefice.

The cemented south porch seen in this view was part of the substantial alterations of 1840; most of the rest of the building dates from the 14th century. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the church was closed when this photograph was taken.

This tomb is located close to the south door of St James's church. The inscription commemorates William Dickinson who died in 1808 aged 84 and his wife Mary who died in 1815 aged 86 - good ages even by today's standards but even more so in Georgian times. We are told that William was 'formerly of this parish' but there are no further details; it is very likely, however, that they were people of substantial means to afford such a large monument in a prominent location.

14th Century church in Twycross village.