Normanton on Soar : St James Church

The church dates from the 13th century and borders the River Soar with extensive views over the Soar valley. It has a river frontage and is well known in the area for both its setting and its history as a boatman’s Church.

The building is cruciform in plan and has a central tower with a broach spire. The clerestory in the nave was added in the 15th century. The font is 14th century, with tracery panels. Above the chancel arch are the royal coat-of-arms (Stuart) of Charles II dated 1683, most unusually made of plaster, and erected by Samuel Sanders, Lord of the Manor whose own arms are depicted below and to the right; those of his wife sit below and to the left.

There are fine monuments to Frances Willoughby 1606, and another to W Willoughby of 1636. A well-used public footpath forming part of a network of paths through the village and surrounding countryside crosses the churchyard.

The Church exists to provide a focus for worship, for ministering to the spiritual needs throughout the parish, and to spread the Gospel. It holds services on Sunday mornings, and other special services such as Taizé services; and conducts weddings, baptisms, funerals and burials. The ministry is normally led by a vicar who shares this duty with his ministry in Sutton Bonington. At the moment, following the retirement of Revd Michael J Brock, we welcome retired clergy to take our services, until a new vicar is appointed.

Church services are generally held at 9:30 am each Sunday, but have a look at Parish Lines, the A Church Near You website or the Church Notice Board for details of special services. On the first Sunday of each month, there is a service of Morning Prayer. You have the opportunity to join in some lively hymns - both old and new. On the second, third and fourth Sundays, there is a service of Holy Communion. If there is a fifth Sunday in the month, members of the congregation lead a relaxed service called “Simply Worship”.

The building is basically sound but it needs continual maintenance to ensure that its present condition is maintained. These needs and other commitments to the wider church, (e.g. clergy salaries and pensions, diocesan overheads, giving to charities) are met as far as possible from a programme of regular contributions which was renewed in 2014. Several events are held through the year to raise money for specific capital projects and to meet any shortfall in regular giving.