St James' Church, Bratton

St James’ is a striking church in peaceful surroundings a short distance outside of Bratton village. The church dates to the 14th century, but the tower was added in the 15th century and it was restored significantly in the Victorian era. Inside there is a 12th-century Norman font and some lovely Victorian stained glass windows. St James’ is Grade II-listed.

James the Greater (the Latin 'major' is not translated as 'great' in English), to whom this church near Bratton was dedicated, was, together with his brother, part of the inner circle of Jesus' disciples. In his version of the "Good News" (this is the meaning of the word "gospel"), the Evangelist Mark enumerates a list of the apostles: "James, the son of Zebedee, and John, the brother of James—them he surnamed Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17). They were said to have had strong tempers, but were faithful followers of Jesus Christ, in whom they recognized the promised Messiah. According to the Acts of the Apostles, James was executed for his faith. His tomb in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia (Spain), is one of the most famous and important pilgrimage destinations in the world.