St James' History

Records reveal a church at Aston Abbotts as far back as 1291, when £3 from the tithes was given to the kitchener of St Alban's Abbey. The first recorded vicar was Walter de Gratteworth, who was ordained in 1325. Parish records begin in 1550 and the first recorded marriage was between Robert Bishop and Joanne Chalener on the 28th June 1559.

At this time, in the 16th century, it was common for villagers to pre-book and pay for their seats in the church. This could cost them around 3 or 4 pence (about 6 US cents) each - quite a significant sum at the time. Later, in the 18th century, the vicar and churchwardens allocated church pews to various families, segregating men to the south side and women to the north.

Much of Aston Abbotts was redeveloped in the nineteenth century and in 1865 St James church underwent substantial rebuilding. The roof had been replaced in 1818, but by 1864 it was realised that more substantial work was needed. The vicar wrote to Lord Overstone, who then was the Lord of the Manor, and received a donation of £300 (about $450). A local Bierton builder Mr Durley rebuilt the Nave and Chancel on new foundations under the watchful eye of architect G. E. Street at a cost of just under £1240 (roughly $2000 or 2000 euros). The only part of the older church that was retained was the tower. This had been built in the early 16th century, but its original lead roof had long since been replaced with tiles. Samuel Wilberforce, the Bishop of Oxford, rededicated St James church on Whit Tuesday, 22nd May 1866.