The following notes were taken from a manuscript written by the Revd' Ernest Eales in  1902. He was trying to establish the age of the church.

The actual age of the church is not known. Some people only refer to the date, that
the Parish of St James came into being (1854) The present church is an enlargement of the original  Medieval Chapel of Saint James.

The Piscina in the North wall of the Chancel is pre-reformation (15th century).
In 1618 The ancient chapel of St. James, Bream, was apparently in the hands of
the Crown before this date, and was by letters patent of 16 James 1viz. June 30th
1618 apparently granted to William Wintour and William Bell and then by them
conveyed to Thomas Donning of Bream, who made seats in the chapel.
In East wall of the vestry are two tombstone one is dated 1669and the other 1747
In the old Bream Registers is an entry that is legible of the baptism of Beata the
daughter of Henry and Martha Taylor on the 6th of January 1751

In the Vestry book of Newland church, ( St James was under the Newland Church)
1658 David James was chosen to be Overseer for Breem
1659 Mr. Edmund Bond chosen as Churchwarden for Colford and Breem

The church has had several restorations and alterations
Thomas Donning 1618 Authorised to put seating in the chapel of St. James
Bream. Which seems to imply the pre-existence of the chapel.

Henry Pooles 1822 –26 Restoration of the Chapel   {the Crown granted £50
towards the repairs}. Mr Poole left the Chancel as it was, and he built an octagonal tower surmounted by Spire, also a small vestry on the north side with a door into the church.
It was consecrated by Bishop of Gloucester on the 13th October 1826.

Cornelius Witherby 1861 The Nave was lengthened westwards. The north Aisle
with pillars and arches was erected. The Chancel was enlarged,the roof of both Chancel and Nave was raised. The octagonal tower built by Mr Poole was removed and a bell turret built. It was re-opened by the Bishop of Gloucester July 5th 1861.

Henry Edward Dandy 1889-1891 Removed the porch from middle of South wall to it's present position, a new window added. The old vestry pulled down and the North aisle extended. Dedication September 22nd 1891.
                                                                       

                       
The photo showing the oil lamps was taken before 1905. In 1905 the curtains
behind the Alter were removed and an Oak Reredos fitted by Mr Cass in
rememberance of his father.

In 1929 the electric lights were installed in the church and the vicarage.

Philip Rees 1970’s & 1980’s Toilets, semi sound proof Crèche,and kitchen added. 

1981 Church fire, roof over the Chancel and the Vestry destroyed, re opened in 1983.
1984/5 After the fire the wasted air space above the North Aisle was made into long meeting room with adjustable partitions for J Squad (Sunday school), and other meetings.

Alastair Kendal 1992-1994 Purchased the Old Methodist Chapel at the Eaves.
It was refurbished as church offices and also as a fully functional Meeting
Place with Kitchen and toilets facilities.
Used by Youth groups, Senior Citizens Luncheon club, Under 5's group.and other organizations.

The Church office is also used by The Bream Voluntary Car Service.
Church Website