St James the Great

In a picturesque setting, next to the village pond and historic Gawsworth Hall, the church dates back to the 15th century, the walls of the nave being built of limestone in 1430 and the Chancel and Tower of pink sandstone in 1480. The splendid roofs are 500 years old, the nave roof showing traces of its original brilliant colouring and gilt.

The tombs of four generations of the Fitton family stand on each side of the altar, including the effigy of Mary, the alleged dark lady of Shakespeare’s sonnets, and a maid of honour to Queen Elizabeth I.

Outside, admire the great 15th century tower (103ft high) and the many excellent window corbels with dripstones, shields of arms and gargoyles