St Nicholas Church, Nottingham
Medieval survivor rebuilt from Civil War ashes, standing as Nottingham's testament to faith and resilience.
St Nicholas Church stands as one of Nottingham's three surviving medieval parish churches, though the current Grade II* listed building dates from 1671–1678. Originally founded around 1100, the medieval structure was completely destroyed in 1643 during the English Civil War when Royalist forces used its tower to bombard Nottingham Castle. The resilient congregation rebuilt on the same site, creating the modest red-brick church that survives today. Its plain exterior belies a rich history intertwined with Nottingham's most turbulent period, making it a remarkable testament to faith and community determination.
A brief summary to St Nic's Church
- 79 Maid Marian Way, Nottingham, NG1 6AE, GB
- +441159524600
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit on a weekday morning (Tuesday–Friday, 10:00–12:00) for a quieter experience and easier access to the interior. The church is less crowded during these hours, allowing for contemplative exploration of its 17th-century architecture and historical features.
- Look for the 1714 inscription in the roof timbers, signed by the rector and sexton, which documents the church's destruction in 1643 and rebuilding from 1671. This hidden historical marker is a tangible connection to the church's remarkable recovery.
- Examine the chancel panelling and the old gallery fronts that remain from the 18th and 19th centuries. These wooden elements provide insight into the church's evolving interior design and the social hierarchies of worship in earlier eras.
- Stand outside on Maid Marian Way and observe how the church now stands isolated from its medieval context. The surrounding modern urban landscape starkly contrasts with the building's 17th-century origins, illustrating Nottingham's transformation.
- Contact the church in advance for guided tours or special access. The congregation and volunteers often share detailed knowledge of the building's history, Civil War significance, and ongoing conservation efforts.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the city centre near St Nicholas Church. Services 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 stop at nearby stops on Maid Marian Way and surrounding streets, with journey times of 5–15 minutes from Nottingham city centre depending on your starting point. Buses run frequently throughout the day (every 5–15 minutes during peak hours). A single journey ticket costs approximately £1.50–£2.50; day passes are available for £4.50–£5.50.
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Train
Nottingham Railway Station is approximately 1.2 kilometres south of St Nicholas Church, a walk of 15–20 minutes through the city centre. From the station, head north through the city centre towards the castle area. Alternatively, take a local bus (routes 1–6) for 5–10 minutes. Train services connect Nottingham to London, Leicester, Derby, and other major cities; journey times from London are approximately 2 hours.
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Car and Parking
St Nicholas Church is located on Maid Marian Way in central Nottingham. Street parking is limited and subject to restrictions; paid car parks are available within 2–5 minutes' walk, including the Broadmarsh Car Park and Castle Car Park, with charges typically £1.50–£2.50 per hour or £8–£12 for all-day parking. The church itself does not have dedicated parking.
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Walking
St Nicholas Church is easily accessible on foot from Nottingham city centre. From the Old Market Square (the historic heart of Nottingham), the church is approximately 400 metres away, a 5–7 minute walk heading towards Nottingham Castle. The route is flat, well-lit, and passes through pedestrian-friendly streets. From the castle itself, the church is just 150 metres away, a 2–3 minute walk downhill.
St Nic's Church location weather suitability
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Discover more about St Nic's Church
Origins and Medieval Significance
St Nicholas Church was first mentioned in the Foundation Charter of Lenton Priory around 1100–1115, though it may have existed even before the Norman Conquest. The original medieval church was built on the site of the present building, likely in the 11th century, and served as one of only three parish churches in medieval Nottingham alongside St Mary's and St Peter's. The church was dedicated to Saint Nicholas, patron saint of merchants, sailors, and travellers—a fitting dedication given Nottingham's position near the River Leen, which may have been more navigable in earlier centuries. The medieval structure featured a nave with one or two aisles and a west tower topped with a spire, as documented in Speed's 1610 map. Within its walls stood a chantry dedicated to St Mary and an associated guild or fraternity, reflecting the spiritual life of the medieval parish.Destruction and Desolation During the Civil War
The church's fate changed dramatically during the English Civil War. In September 1643, Royalist forces occupied St Nicholas Church and used its commanding tower as a stronghold from which to bombard Nottingham Castle, which was held for Parliament under Colonel John Hutchinson. According to the diary of Lucy Hutchinson, the colonel's wife, bullets from the church "played so thick into the outward Castle Yard that they could not pass from one gate to another, nor relieve the guards, but with great hazard." To prevent the church from being used as a military position again, Colonel Hutchinson ordered its complete destruction. The medieval building was razed, its materials carted away and repurposed for other construction. The site remained desolate and empty for approximately 25 years, a stark reminder of the conflict's destructive power. The displaced congregation was temporarily accommodated in a gallery above the chancel of St Peter's Church, though this arrangement proved short-lived when that building too was damaged in further fighting in January 1644.Resurrection in Brick and Faith
Despite their displacement and hardship, the determined congregation of St Nicholas set about rebuilding their church. Work commenced in 1671, with the Town Council granting timber from local coppices for the restoration. The new building, completed by 1678, was constructed of economical red brick with ashlar dressings—a practical choice reflecting the financial constraints of the period. An inscription discovered in 1714, signed by Rector J. Abson and Sexton B. Stephenson, commemorated the rebuilding: "This Church was burnt and pulled down in 1647 and begun again in 1671." The new structure adopted a cruciform plan with a nave lacking aisles, typical of 17th-century church architecture. Its square tower, divided into three stages, featured a clock on two sides and crenellated edges, with two bells housed within. The plain exterior reflected the modest circumstances of its construction, yet the building represented a triumph of community resilience and faith.Transformation and Restoration
The 18th century brought changes to accommodate the congregation's needs. Spacious square pews and galleries were added to accommodate the voluminous skirts fashionable among ladies of the period, with the galleries reserved for "the humbler portion of the parishioners." In 1863, the interior underwent significant remodelling: new pews were installed, the galleries removed, and the old gallery fronts transformed into chancel stalls for a choir. A new oak lectern was provided in 1899. The church's architectural heritage was recognised in 1953 when it was designated a Grade II* listed building by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Subsequent restoration work addressed decades of neglect: the tower was restored in 1961 with assistance from the Historic Churches Preservation Trust, and the chancel underwent restoration in 1959. A comprehensive renovation in 2010 ensured the building's continued preservation for future generations.Urban Transformation and Modern Context
The 20th century brought dramatic changes to St Nicholas's surroundings. The medieval street pattern that had characterised the area for centuries—with evocative names such as Rosemary Lane, Walnut Tree Lane, and Gilliflower Hill—was demolished in the 1960s to make way for Maid Marian Way, the modern road that now runs past the church. This urban redevelopment left St Nicholas as a solitary survivor of an older Nottingham, standing alone where once a dense medieval neighbourhood thrived. Despite these transformations, the church remains a Grade II* listed building and a Grade I listed place of worship, recognised for its historical significance and architectural merit. Today it continues to serve as an active Anglican parish church, maintaining its role in the spiritual life of Nottingham while bearing witness to centuries of conflict, resilience, and faith.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St Nic's Church
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Unmissable attractions to see
Robin Hood Statue
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Nottingham Castle Visitors Centre
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Museum of Nottingham Life
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Explore 300 years of Nottingham’s social history beneath historic 17th-century cottages and intriguing sandstone caves.
Mortimer’s hole
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Nottingham Castle
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Flying Horse Walk
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White Rose Nottingham Outlet
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Inspired
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Old Mkt Sq
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Old Market Square
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Bell Inn
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Nottingham Contemporary
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The Exchange (Exchange Arcade)
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Essential places to dine
World Service Restaurant
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The Cumin Restaurant
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Fothergills
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The Castle - Pub and Kitchen
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No.Twelve
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Chino Latino
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The Roundhouse Bar & Kitchen
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MemSaab
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Experience award-winning Indian fine dining in Nottingham with MemSaab’s exquisite flavors and elegant ambiance on Maid Marian Way.
Calcutta Club
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Restaurant Bar Gigi
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Zaap Thai Street Food
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Everyday People
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baresca
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Piccolino Nottingham
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Pizzamisú
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Shop Zero
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Common Choice
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ChicChoiceHub
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Vivienne Westwood
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Garms Nottingham
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Discover unique vintage streetwear and stylish outerwear at Garms Nottingham, a vibrant boutique nestled in the historic heart of Bridlesmith Gate.
OH DUCK IT
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Dive into duck-tastic humor and Nottingham dialect delights at this cheeky gift shop, where quirky souvenirs and local crafts quack up the city's shopping scene.
Stick & Ribbon
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Relic x Hooked Nottingham
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Discover eclectic vintage fashion and unique style treasures in Nottingham’s edgy and vibrant Relic x Hooked store.
18montrose
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Discover premium streetwear and designer fashion at 18montrose, nestled in Nottingham’s historic Bridlesmith Gate shopping district.
White Stuff Nottingham
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Tutu urban boutique
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White Rose Nottingham WR6
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The Bead Shop (Nottingham) Limited
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Primark
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Lulu Brandy Vintage
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Pepper Rocks
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Canalhouse
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Coco Tang -Cocktail Bar
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Malt Cross
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Billy Bootleggers Nottingham (formerly Percy Picklebackers)
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Slug & Lettuce - Market Square Nottingham
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All Bar One Nottingham
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Pitcher & Piano Nottingham
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Brass Monkey
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Cucamara
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Ocean Nightclub
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ICON
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Tunnel Club
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Popworld - Nottingham
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The Cell
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Tantra Night Clubs
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VIBES NIGHTLIFE
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The Bodega Nottingham
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Revolution Nottingham - Hockley
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Unit 13
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Love zoo
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Wax Bar
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CRISIS
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Rescue Rooms
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Rock City
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Architectural Shots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
