St James's Church continues the traditions of Reading Abbey in the post-Reformation era.

[clarification needed] Its founder was James Wheble, who owned land in the area at that time.

[2] The design of the church is Norman, a style not normally associated with Pugin, and was probably influenced by the proximity of the Abbey ruins.

Sunday masses are well-attended often with standing room only; the parish boasts a large number of nationalities among its regular congregation.

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster from 2000 to 2009, was baptised in St James's and served at the altar there regularly as a boy.