St. James' Church, Swansea

Saint James' Church is a vibrant Anglican place of worship nestled in the lively Uplands area of Swansea. Established between 1863 and 1867, it was originally built as a chapel of ease to Saint Mary's Church and remained so until 1985, when it became an independent parish. The church, designed by the architect Thomas Nicholson of Hereford, showcases a nineteenth-century version of the Decorated Gothic style, featuring brown rock-faced stone with pale freestone dressings, a slate roof, and angle buttresses.

Situated on the north side of Walter Road, the churchyard is surrounded by Saint James’s Crescent, forming a distinctive oval-shaped plot. The building's plan consists of a nave with lean-to aisles, a chancel, north and south transepts, a south gabled porch, and vestries to the north of the chancel. Despite its impressive architecture, the church was initially intended to include a southwest tower, which was never built, limiting its visual dominance over its surroundings.

Saint James’ Church holds a special place in Swansea’s history, having provided a temporary home for the congregation of Saint Mary’s after it was destroyed during the Second World War. Unfortunately, the church also suffered war damage, losing nearly all of its pre-war stained glass windows, which included works by Mayer of Munich. The current stained glass windows, featuring artwork by Gerald Smith, reflect the resilience and adaptability of this historic church.

Saint James’ Church is proud to be a Church of Sanctuary, offering a warm and inclusive space, particularly to internationals. Regular worship services are held every Sunday at 10:30 a.m., with a dedicated Welsh language service also offered.