The space between the top of the altar and the window-sill above has a beautifully carved stone ornamental screen called a reredos. This comes from an Anglo-Norman 14th century term areredos, from arere behind and dos back, from the Latin dorsum. The two main carvings show grapes with a chalice of wine (left) and wheat with bread (right). In the middle of the centre carving is a dove.

The brass and plate in St. James's Church reflects, not only the light created by human beings, but also, symbolically, the light of the Holy Spirit.

A cross and two candlesticks always stand on the altar. Sometimes the bookstand is also there.

Stained glass has been used for hundreds of years to add beauty and colour to our churches. Most of our windows show biblical scenes, and these helped to teach the people about religion in the days when most of them could not read.

The separate pieces of glass each have their own colour and are set into strips of lead. The colours in early stained glass were each thought to have a meaning; for instance, red meant divine love, white - divine wisdom, yellow - faith, and so on.

See our Sanctuary/Chancel Stained Glass Windows images page.