With its spire (the second highest in Wiltshire after that of Salisbury Cathedral) dominating the Trowbridge skyline, the Grade 1 listed Anglican Parish Church of St. James dates from the 13th century. One of the tombs within the church is that of the poet George Crabbe, who was Rector between 1814 and 1832: Crabbe wrote the poem ‘Peter Grimes’, on which the famous opera by the English composer Benjamin Britten was based.

In St. James’ churchyard itself can be found the grave of Thomas Helliker. Helliker was a figure in early English trade union history who was hanged, aged 19, for his alleged role in machine-breaking at a woollen mill at Semington, near Trowbridge. More information can be found about Helliker by clicking the link above.