St James the Less, Dorney
Although both Chancel and Nave were built in the 12th century the arch between them dates from the 14th century. Seven of the pews date from the 17th century and there is a large family box pew.
There are three restored medieval paintings in this church. Two, depicting the Annunciation, are on the North side of the Chancel on either side of the door opening into the North Chapel (the Garrard Chapel), the opening to which is to the side of the altar. The Angel Gabriel is on the left of the entrance to the chapel and the Virgin Mary on the right.
There are three restored medieval paintings in this church. Two, depicting the Annunciation, are on the North side of the Chancel on either side of the door opening into the North Chapel (the Garrard Chapel), the opening to which is to the side of the altar. The Angel Gabriel is on the left of the entrance to the chapel and the Virgin Mary on the right.
The main part of Dorney Church was built in the 12th century but there have been many changes over the years.
The Chancel is the oldest part of the church. Both it and most of the Nave were originally built in the 12th century. Originally the Nave would not have had any seating and it would often have been used for a variety of parish activities.
The Chancel is the oldest part of the church. Both it and most of the Nave were originally built in the 12th century. Originally the Nave would not have had any seating and it would often have been used for a variety of parish activities.
The rood screen was placed between the Chancel and the Nave to separate church and parish activities where necessary. In this church the remains of the lower part of an old rood screen can be seen, with a door which could be closed to separate the Chancel from the Nave.
The floor of this church was originally lower than it is now. The original level is probably the level at the back of the Nave, west of the main door of the church, which can be seen to be below the present ground level. The steps up to the main part of the church can be seen behind the font in this picture. The reason for the change in level is not known, but flooding in the area could have raised the ground level. The 12th century Norman font which is on the lower level would have been difficult to move so the floor round it would need to be maintained at the original level.
Other features can be seen which relate to the old floor level. For example, there is a blocked up 13th century priest's door in the South wall of the Chancel The low height of this door is an indication of the original lower level of the floor.
Other features can be seen which relate to the old floor level. For example, there is a blocked up 13th century priest's door in the South wall of the Chancel The low height of this door is an indication of the original lower level of the floor.
Some fragmentary medieval painting which was restored in 1987 can also be seen in the Gallery to the left side of the tower arch.
This gallery is no longer the preserve of servants, but it is still used by musicians. An organ was installed to celebrate the coronation of H. M. Queen Elizabeth II. When a music group plays for services now, the musicians still use the gallery.
The brick Tudor tower contains a peal of six bells.
This gallery is no longer the preserve of servants, but it is still used by musicians. An organ was installed to celebrate the coronation of H. M. Queen Elizabeth II. When a music group plays for services now, the musicians still use the gallery.
The brick Tudor tower contains a peal of six bells.
The Garrard Chapel contains a fine 17th century tomb of Sir William Garrard, Lord of the Manor of Dorney, who died in 1607, and his wife Elizabeth. Sir William and his wife are shown kneeling on the monument, with their children depicted below.
The gallery at the West end of the Nave was put up in the 17th century. Such galleries often used to be found in rural parish churches. They were generally used either by the servants from any nearby big house, or by musicians playing for the services. In this gallery original coat hooks can be seen on the walls.
The gallery at the West end of the Nave was put up in the 17th century. Such galleries often used to be found in rural parish churches. They were generally used either by the servants from any nearby big house, or by musicians playing for the services. In this gallery original coat hooks can be seen on the walls.
The names of almost all the clergy who have served in this church are known back to the 13th century: a list of the clergy hangs in the nave (see list)
Dorney Church History