St Agatha's and St James' Churches

Founded in 1153 on the site of an earlier church, St Agatha’s has been at the centre of Brightwell’s Christianity for almost 900 years. Some traces of the original building are still visible and a walk round the interior, using the printed guide available inside the church, will reveal many fascinating facts about the building itself and some of the people who have worshipped here over the centuries from the Normans to the present day. We hope you will feel able to visit St Agatha’s, – the church is usually kept open – find time to explore inside and outside its ancient walls, and get a sense of its history. The worn down stones in the porch may cause you to think of the villagers and visitors who, down the ages, have trodden this way before you; but be aware also that the Church’s ministry is still ongoing. St Agatha’s remains as ever, at the heart of the village, ready to welcome anyone who seeks comfort within its walls.

The little church of St James’, in Sotwell, is built in the form of a chapel on a site first recorded in 1158. The present church was rebuilt in the Victorian era. Because of its small intimate nature, St James’ is entirely suited to the quiet Communion Service held there most Sundays.

If you have a new baby, you might want to consider a thanksgiving for a safe arrival- or alternatively having the baby christened.Click here for a explanation of what's involved in having a child baptised.




See also the Wallingford Team ministry pages for St Agatha's and St James's.

Our churches share a Facebook site with the rest of the Wallingford Team: www.facebook.com/wallingfordcofe/


Coffee and homemade cakes are served in the Church Room every Wednesday morning between 10 and 12 am. All are welcome!



15 went to mow... St James’s churchyard

Some of us have been ‘volunteering’ for more than 25 years ago.

It’s an absolute pleasure to work in this pretty corner of the village. The rota is organised, the mower, strimmer and fuel is provided, and the servicing arranged. All we have to do is to turn up for duty once or twice a year for an hour or two to keep the grass under control.

Curiously, as time has passed, the team seems to have grown a little older. And so for 2024 we would like to add to our merry band and find new ‘volunteers’ to swell our numbers – men or women of course – so that each person only has to work once in the summer.

If you would like to find out more about what is involved, please get in touch with James Davys by email at James.davys@icloud.com

You would be very welcome to join us.