St James The Great in Coseley, West Midlands, is a Grade II listed Anglican church with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Constructed between 1880 and 1882, the church was designed by architect John Oldrid Scott in the Gothic Revival style. The building features a distinctive tower and spire, which stands as a prominent landmark in the area.

Throughout its existence, St James The Great has been the subject of various ghostly accounts and paranormal experiences reported by visitors and parishioners. One of the most frequently mentioned apparitions is that of a former vicar, believed to be Reverend William Wilks, who served the church in the early 20th century. Witnesses have described seeing a shadowy figure in clerical attire moving through the church and disappearing into walls.

Another commonly reported phenomenon involves the sound of footsteps echoing through the empty church, particularly in the chancel area. Some visitors have claimed to feel sudden cold spots and an overwhelming sense of being watched while exploring the building.

The church’s graveyard has also been the focus of supernatural occurrences, with reports of glowing orbs and misty figures moving between the headstones at night. Local legend speaks of a ghostly woman in Victorian-era clothing who is said to wander the churchyard, believed by some to be searching for her lost child.

In the bell tower, several bell ringers have reported strange experiences, including the sensation of being touched or pushed while alone in the area. Some have even claimed to hear the faint sound of bells ringing when the tower was empty and locked.