About Us

The Church of St James the Great, Cranham is Grade 11* Listed Church and was mostly built around 15th century. In 1894-95 large refurbishments were made in conjunction with new extensions to the original building which included the addition of a North Aisle and Vestry, all funded by a local benefactor.

 Gustav Holst wrote the music for the Christmas carol “In the Bleak Midwinter”  whilst staying in a near by cottage aptly called  ‘Midwinter Cottage’ opposite The Black Horse pub.

 In 2010 the Cottage, The Black Horse and the Church featured in a BBC Christmas edition of “Sacred Music” . The program has been repeated at subsequent Christmas times.

 Since this time  The Gustav Holst Way  has been establish – the 35 mile walk begins at the Church; the route has been subdivided into 6 to 8 mile sections. More details can be found by visiting    http://www.holstmuseum.org.uk/gustav-holst-way.htm

 There are leaflets in the Church giving more detail of the building and interior.

The Church is open during the day and a Churchyard plan is available on request for visitors and researchers. Please contact one of the churchwardens via the contact page