Step Inside 870 Years of History at Hadleighâs St James the Less
Step back through almost nine centuries of Hadleigh history and discover the secrets hidden within St James the Less Church. From medieval wall paintings and ancient protection marks to Norman architecture, this remarkable building has stories waiting to be uncovered.
DID YOU KNOW that St James the Less Church in Hadleigh has been around for 870 years. Much of the church dates back to the 12th century, and there are even suggestions an earlier Saxon church may have stood on the site.
During restoration work in 1856, medieval wall paintings were discovered, including an image of St Thomas Becket, thought to date from around 1275 and described in local historical research as the only surviving medieval representation of him in Essex.
You can also find an unusual old protection mark, sometimes called an âelf charmâ, believed to have been intended to ward off evil.
Norman architecture, medieval paintings, an ancient protection mark and a rare Victorian gas lamp, must all make a trip to Hadleigh worthwhile this weekend.
These local history & drone photos which we post seem to be really popular, so thank you for all the lovely messages and comments. But itâs worth mentioning that without the brilliant work of the Benfleet Community Archive, so many of these little known local facts would probably remain exactly thatâĤ little known!
