St James the Apostle Church

The Church is reached by crossing one of the five bridges over the Alledge Brook, which runs through our charming village. Situated at the end of a pleasant churchyard path, St James has stood on this site since the 12th century and is Grade 1 listed by English Heritage. Inevitably, the centuries have seen additions, alterations and major repairs.  The latest addition has been the beautiful Lych Gate that was designed by David Laing, architect and former Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire.

Inside the Church you will find The Three Denny Windows.  These quite recent three stained-glass windows have transformed the Chancel, which has become a meditation on light.  They were commissioned in November 2017 and given as a gift to the people of Grafton Underwood by David and Mary Laing.  They were created by Thomas Denny, the country’s leading stained-glass artist, using glass from Lambert’s Glass in Germany.

There are also monuments inside the Church of Lords, Ladies, Knights and Earls; the 14th century memorial brass by Pugin of Lady Gertrude Fitzpatrick is exceptionally beautiful.  An equally attractive and interesting feature is the stained glass memorial window to the United States Air Force 384th Bombardment Group depicting a “Flying Fortress” and badges of various squadrons which flew from the Grafton Underwood Airfield during World War II.  There is a memorial on the Geddington Road going out of the village which has been placed at the end of the old main runway.

The Church is open every day.  Services are held every Sunday at 11am followed by tea, cake and a good natter – everyone is welcome.  The first service each month is specifically for young children with craft activities available.

There are 2 Churchwardens – Mark Bird and Paul Harris who both live in the village.

Our Revd Jez Safford is located at The Rectory in Cranford