Rousham, St Leonard and St James Church

St Leonard and St James Church, Rousham

The medieval parish church of St Leonard and St James stands in an idyllic location within the grounds of Rousham House and is easily reached from the famous landscape gardens. The church dates to the late 12th century and is approached between beautifully-clipped topiary hedges. The west tower dates to the 13th century and the church was enlarged in the 14th and 15th centuries.

History

The church's original dedication was to St Germanus of Auxerre, which suggests a very early origin. Germanus was known to have visited Britain in the 5th century so it is possible that he had a connection with the Rousham area. Historical records from the 17th century suggest that there was a holy well dedicated to Germanus within the parish.

The church is built of local ironstone dressed with ashlar and topped by a roof of Welsh slate. The design is very simple, with a nave, chancel, north and south aisles, and west tower.

12th-century carved capital in the nave

Historical highlights inside the church include memorials to generations of the Cottrell-Dormer family, owners of Rousham House.

The chancel arch dates to the later 12th century and features beautifully carved moulding. A 15th-century wooden screen survives, as does a 14th-century piscina. The pulpit is from the late 17th century, while the 19th-century pews incorporate carved Jacobean panels. Funerary hatchments to generations of the Cottrell-Dormer family hang in the nave.

John and Elizabeth Dormer memorial, circa 1581

Highlights

Perhaps the most interesting historical feature is a 16th-century memorial to John Dormer (d. 1581) and his wife, née Elizabeth Goddard, showing the couple kneeling at a prayer desk, facing each other, in typical Tudor style. This memorial was not originally installed at Rousham but was brought here from Steeple Barton in 1851.

In the south aisle is a memorial to Charles Cottrell-Dormer, erected in 1758. Another Dormer memorial is that of Justina Dormer, (d.1627) in the south aisle. Set into the chancel floor are grave slabs to three 18th-century rectors,

Most of the stained-glass dates to the Victorian period, but the west window in the south aisle has pieces of Tudor and Jacobean glass, brought here from Sesswell's Barton. This glass was installed in 1742 as part of a memorial to General James Dormer.

15th-century wooden screen

A more modern addition is an alabaster reredos, installed in 1907. The organ is relatively modern but the case incorporates 17th-century woodwork, perhaps from an old altar rail.

The 12th-century nave arcades are a delight, with beautifully detailed column capitals.

Rousham Church is a picturesque country church standing in an idyllic location. If you visit Rousham's justly famous gardens, please take the time to enjoy this wonderful little church.

Visiting

The church is normally open. Follow the signs for Rousham House and park as you would to visit the gardens.