Those with a keen artistic eye and frequent visitors to the Tate Gallery might recognise the name and style of G F Watts. He created what's commonly called 'The Doom' mosaic on the Chancel wall. Originally this was a mural of Jesus, Mathew, Mark, Luke and John, but it deteriorated over a period of twenty years and was replaced by Watts in the form of the current mosaic, which still retains the glory of its early years now. Pictures can be seen here.

Sculptors and history of art enthusiasts may well know the name of Thomas Earp, whose skills were employed in the design of the pulpit. This is perhaps the most easily identifiable object of note within the church and that may account for its slightly less than pristine condition. Years of hands on appreciation have lead to there being considerably less of it than there originally was!

In addition to these artistic contributions there are two interesting wall plaques. The first commemorates the Monk sisters who instructed and funded the building of St James and another pays homage to a recent vicar. Back in 1917, Canon Thorndike was the vicar at St James the Less. He had a daughter who was a famous screen actress, Dame Sybill Thorndike, not that this should ensure his name was engraved in stone, but you could say that drama played a part in it! One night in October 1917, Canon Thorndike announced the opening hymn to the congregation gathered before him and then dropped down dead beside the font. Unfortunately he was not the only vicar to end his days before a seated audience at St James. Geoffrey Pollard also died in September 1986 after conducting an evening service. But we'd like to mention we're confident it's not an ongoing trend!

Originally in 1861, when the church was consecrated, SJTL favoured the Anglo-Catholic, high-church style of worship and praise. It had developed into a 'broad' church by 1960, shortly before proposals were made for its closure due to a decline in attendance. The last name of fame and notoriety, to date, connected with St James steps into the picture here. It is the late Sir John Betjeman we have to thank, amongst others, for the series of appeals and protestations which ensured our church was formally united with the neighbouring St Saviour's church and not shut down altogether.