St. Nicolas Buildings and History
Our church building is the only Grade 1 listed building in the town. There has been a church building on the present site since at least 1130, and it is believed that a Saxon church was there before that, though no trace remains today.
The oldest part of the present building is in the present Leeke chapel and dates from 1350 when the church was rebuilt in the reign of Edward III. The nave roof and clerestory windows date from 1500 and the line of the previous roof can still be seen on the wall at the west end of the nave. The roof has several fine bosses, picked out in gold leaf. The one nearest the chancel arch depicts the five wounds of Christ.
Box pews were installed in 1853, but were replaced by the present pews during a restoration in 1965. Until 1882, all pews in the church were rented, except for a few provided free for the poor.
The chancel was extended in 1853, and the arch and roof were designed to represent an upturned boat (as St. Nicolas is the patron saint of sailors). As a Royal living, the church displays the Royal coat of arms prominently on the West wall.
The tower is 14th century, containing a bell chamber with a full peal of eight bells and also houses an ancient clock dating from 1670.
There are many fine views of Nuneaton from the top of the tower, which can often be accessed during special events
St. Nicolas Church -
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Page last updated on 14th March 2008..