Three sisters built St James the Less. They wanted to honor their father Bishop James Henry Monk. The church stands in what was once a very poor part of London. Around 31000 people lived in slums and tenements nearby. The sisters commissioned George Edmund Street. He was a famous architect. He would later design the Law Courts and Bristol Cathedral.
St James the Less opened in 1861. It was consecrated then. The building is made of red brick. It also has black bricks and other stone. The tower is a prominent feature. It is free-standing and Italian-style. The interior is stunning. It uses design ideas Street saw in medieval buildings in Europe.
The stained glass is a highlight. Much of it was created by Clayton and Bell. They were Victorian glassmakers. One window shows Old and New Testament scenes. Other windows were designed by Street himself. A mosaic by George Frederic Watts is also there. It shows Christ in Glory. It replaced a fresco that had deteriorated. The pulpit is carved wood. It’s a bit damaged now from water. They hope to restore it one day.
The church originally followed high-church styles. It evolved into a broader style of worship. Around its centenary it almost closed. Fewer people were attending services. Sir John Betjeman helped save it. The church merged with St Saviour’s Pimlico. This ensured its survival. Today St James the Less thrives as a Charismatic Evangelical church. It’s a testament to the enduring power of faith. It’s a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture. It remains a treasured part of London. A real jewel in the heart of Pimlico.