St James' Church Rudry
A 13th-century church nestled in scenic Welsh countryside, offering historical architecture and a warm community welcome.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Experience a warm welcome
St James' Church Rudry
Best Time
Experience a warm welcome
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 13th-century church nestled in scenic Welsh countryside, offering historical architecture and a warm community welcome.
"Lovely little church set in fabulous countryside."
Confirm Opening Hours
Posted times may be incorrect. Call ahead to avoid disappointment! :telephone_receiver:
Enjoy the Surroundings
The countryside setting is lovely for a stroll before or after your visit. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Medieval Architecture
Nave and Chancel
Explore the original perimeter walls of the nave and chancel, dating back to the 13th century.
Sixteenth-Century Window
North wall of the nave
Admire the unique two-light window with ogee arches, a rare surviving Gothic feature.
Scenic Countryside Location
Surrounding grounds
Enjoy the peaceful and picturesque setting of the church amidst fabulous countryside.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Times Before You Go
Embrace the Countryside Setting
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Confirm Opening Hours
Posted times may be incorrect. Call ahead to avoid disappointment! :telephone_receiver:
Enjoy the Surroundings
The countryside setting is lovely for a stroll before or after your visit. :hiking_boot:
Warm Welcome Awaits
Visitors report a friendly atmosphere and engaging conversations. :people_hugging:
Modern Service Elements
Services feature a mix of hymns and modern elements, including interactive TVs. :tv:
Tips
from all over the internet
Confirm Opening Hours
Posted times may be incorrect. Call ahead to avoid disappointment! :telephone_receiver:
Enjoy the Surroundings
The countryside setting is lovely for a stroll before or after your visit. :hiking_boot:
Warm Welcome Awaits
Visitors report a friendly atmosphere and engaging conversations. :people_hugging:
Modern Service Elements
Services feature a mix of hymns and modern elements, including interactive TVs. :tv:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
St. James' Church Rudry is appreciated for its historical architecture and its beautiful countryside setting. Visitors often find the congregation to be very friendly and welcoming, particularly during services. However, a recurring issue is the unreliability of posted opening times, leading to disappointment for those who arrive expecting it to be open.
"The church of St. James in Rudry was prpbably erected in 1254. The first written record of it is from 1295. For most of its history, it was a chapel of ease of St. Barrwg’s church in Bedwas, separating only at the beginning of the 20th century. A thorough renovation of the building was carried out in 1885, and again in 1961. The walls of the nave and tower were reinforced and the roof tiles were replaced. In the 19th century, before the southern entrance to the nave, a porch was constructed.
The medieval church consisted of a rectangular nave, a narrower and lower, short chancel on the east side and a four-sided tower on the west side. It was covered with a saddle roof, characteristic for the south-eastern region of Glamorgan. Originally, the main entrance to the nave was located in the western part of the south wall, later a portal was also created in the added tower. There was also a separate entrance for the priest in the southern wall of the chancel. It is not known what the original window openings looked like. They were probably small, narrow, and could have been topped with trefoils. In the late Gothic period, at least some of them were crowned with ogee-arches.
The church has retained the original perimeter walls of the nave and chancel and the western tower, but most of its windows were modernized in the early modern period. The exception is the sixteenth-century two-light window in the northern wall of the nave, topped with the so-called ogee arches and the bricked up southern portal in the presbytery."
Jon Beard
"Nice looking Church in a very nice setting. The only problem was is that IT WASN'T OPEN. If your thinking of visiting please be aware of this. Opening times posted aren't correct."
Bill J
"A friendly little church! I was visiting for the first time I had a lovely welcome! I think most people spoke to me and really were engaging. One person offered to make me a cuppa after the service which was really lovely! service was lovely too! They use interactive TVs to show the words. They had a mixture of modern and hymns. The sermon was pitched very well which was on leadership. Because of space the children either stayed in or draw at the back. I left feeling very positive. xx"
Bethan Marshall
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. James' Church Rudry is located in the countryside. Driving is the most common method. While specific public transport details are scarce, local buses may serve nearby villages, requiring a walk or taxi to reach the church. It's best to check local transport schedules or consider a taxi service from a larger town like Caerphilly.
Information on dedicated parking is limited, but visitors often find space on or near the church grounds. Given its rural setting, parking is generally not a major issue, but it's wise to be considerate of local residents and other visitors.
Using a GPS navigation system with the church's address or postcode is recommended. The church is situated in a scenic rural area, so be prepared for country lanes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit St. James' Church Rudry. It is a place of worship, and entry is typically free for visitors.
Opening hours can be inconsistent. Some reviews mention the church being closed unexpectedly, even when posted times indicated it should be open. It's highly recommended to contact the church directly or check their official website/social media for the most up-to-date information before visiting.
While services are regular, access outside of these times may be limited. It's best to confirm with the church office if you wish to visit for historical or architectural interest specifically.
Information on accessibility is not widely available. Given its historical nature, some areas might present challenges. It's advisable to inquire directly with the church regarding specific accessibility needs.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
St. James' Church Rudry likely dates back to 1254, with its first record in 1295. It was historically a chapel of ease to St. Barrwg’s church in Bedwas. The church retains its medieval nave, chancel, and tower, with notable architectural features like a 16th-century window.
Inside, you can see the original perimeter walls of the nave and chancel, and the western tower. Look for the 16th-century two-light window on the north wall of the nave, characterized by ogee arches.
Yes, services are held at St. James' Church Rudry. Visitors have described them as lovely, with a mix of modern and traditional hymns, and engaging sermons.
The church's historical architecture and its beautiful countryside setting make it a picturesque spot for photography. Capture the medieval elements and the surrounding landscape.
The atmosphere is described as friendly and welcoming, especially during services. Visitors have felt a positive vibe and enjoyed engaging with the congregation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a Sunday morning to experience the church community, but be aware that opening times can be unpredictable. The beautiful rural setting offers a chance for kids to enjoy the outdoors before or after a brief visit to the church. Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities might be limited in this rural location.
🚶 History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Be sure to verify opening hours before your visit, as the church is not always open. Understanding its history as a chapel of ease and noting the renovations over the centuries will enrich your appreciation of this historic site. The rural setting also adds to the charm of discovering this historical treasure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural History of St. James' Church Rudry
The original medieval structure comprised a rectangular nave, a narrower chancel, and a western tower, all covered by a characteristic saddle roof. While the main entrance was initially on the south wall of the nave, a portal was later added in the tower. The church retains its original perimeter walls of the nave and chancel, as well as the western tower. However, many of its windows were modernized over time.
A notable exception is the sixteenth-century two-light window located in the northern wall of the nave. This window is distinguished by its unique ogee arches, a beautiful example of late Gothic design. The southern portal in the presbytery, though now bricked up, also hints at the church's historical layout and architectural evolution.
Visitor Experience and Community
The services themselves are noted for their blend of tradition and modernity. The use of interactive TVs to display lyrics and a sermon that was 'pitched very well' indicate a church that is adapting to contemporary worship styles while retaining its spiritual core. Even children are accommodated, with options to stay in or draw at the back due to space limitations, ensuring a family-friendly environment.
Beyond the church walls, the 'fabulous countryside' surrounding St. James' Church Rudry provides a tranquil backdrop. Visitors often appreciate the opportunity to enjoy the scenic views, making a trip to the church a pleasant outing that combines historical interest with the beauty of the Welsh landscape.
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