St James' Church, Poole

St James is a Church of England parish church in Poole on the south coast of England, in the ceremonial county of Dorset.The church is located in the historic quarter of the town, near Poole Quay. It is the parish church for the St James sub district of Poole. Lucy Holt is the current minister of the church. Today the church is still in use by the local population and has a large playgroup.The church has long been associated with the local fishing trade and is known locally as 'the fishermen's church'. The church has an unusual weather vane fashioned in the shape of a fish. The church was mostly rebuilt around 1820, in Georgian style. The church is seen as a good example of English Georgian religious architecture. English Heritage have designated it a Grade II* listed building.Bell legendThe church has a long tradition of bell ringing. Local lore has it that during Edward VI's reign, the Duke of Somerset ordered eight bells to be sold in aid of Poole's fortification. Unfortunately the bells were lost at sea during passage to Holland.