St Nicholas Church, Nottingham
A Grade II* listed church rebuilt from Civil War ashes, standing as Nottingham's enduring symbol of faith and resilience.
St Nicholas Church stands as a Grade II* listed landmark on Maid Marian Way in Nottingham's city centre, a brick-built Anglican church with roots stretching back to around 1100. Originally destroyed during the English Civil War in 1643, the congregation rebuilt their church between 1671 and 1678, creating the elegant structure that survives today. With its distinctive tower, welcoming interior, and rich historical narrative, St Nicholas offers visitors a tangible connection to Nottingham's medieval past and the resilience of its community through centuries of conflict and change.
A brief summary to St Nic's Church, Nottingham
- 79 Maid Marian Way, Nottingham, NG1 6AE, GB
- +441159524600
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during quieter weekday hours (10:00–16:00 Monday to Friday) to experience the interior without crowds and speak with staff about the church's remarkable history.
- Look for the 1714 inscription on the church rafters—a hidden historical artifact that documents the church's destruction and rebuilding, a tangible link to the Restoration period.
- Examine the chancel panelling, which preserves woodwork from the original 18th-century square pews, offering insight into the church's Victorian interior remodelling.
- Stand on Maid Marian Way to appreciate the church's architectural prominence and its relationship to Nottingham Castle, visible to the west, understanding the Civil War context.
- Attend a Sunday service (09:00–21:00) to experience the church as a living faith community and witness the spiritual continuity that has defined the congregation for centuries.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Public Transport
Nottingham City Centre bus station is approximately 400 metres south of St Nicholas Church. Multiple local bus routes serve the city centre, with journey times from surrounding areas typically 10–25 minutes depending on origin. Single fares within Nottingham range from £1.50–£2.50. The church is a short walk from the bus station via Maid Marian Way.
-
Walking
St Nicholas Church is centrally located on Maid Marian Way. From Nottingham Railway Station (approximately 800 metres south), allow 12–15 minutes walking time via Milton Street and Maid Marian Way. The route is flat, well-lit, and clearly signposted. From Nottingham Market Square (approximately 300 metres east), the walk takes 5–7 minutes.
-
Cycling
Nottingham has an extensive cycle network. St Nicholas Church is accessible via Maid Marian Way, which accommodates cyclists. Bike parking facilities are available near the church. Journey times from surrounding areas typically 8–15 minutes depending on origin.
-
Parking
Street parking on Maid Marian Way is limited and subject to restrictions. Several car parks operate within 200–400 metres of the church, including the Broad Marsh Car Park and Castle Car Park. Parking charges typically range from £1.50–£3.00 per hour depending on the facility and time of day.
St Nic's Church, Nottingham location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about St Nic's Church, Nottingham
Medieval Foundations and Norman Heritage
St Nicholas Church occupies a site of extraordinary historical significance, first documented in the Foundation Charter of Lenton Priory around 1100–1115, though the church may have existed even before the Norman Conquest. The original medieval building was erected soon after the Norman invasion, likely resembling the contemporary St Peter's Church in its architectural character. As one of three principal parishes in medieval Nottingham alongside St Mary's and St Peter's, St Nicholas served the French Quarter that developed outside Nottingham Castle's walls. The medieval church contained a Chantry dedicated to St Mary and hosted a Guild or fraternity of the same name. According to historical records and Speed's 1610 map, the medieval structure featured a nave with possibly one or two aisles, crowned by a west tower with a spire displaying Decorated Gothic architecture—a configuration that dominated the surrounding streetscape for centuries.Destruction and Desolation During the Civil War
The church's medieval existence came to a dramatic and violent end during the English Civil War. In September 1642, King Charles I raised his standard at Standard Hill, igniting conflict across England. By September 1643, Nottingham Castle had been fortified by Parliamentarians under Colonel Hutchinson. Royalist forces, seeking tactical advantage, occupied St Nicholas Church and used its commanding tower as a firing position to bombard the castle garrison. Lucy Hutchinson, the Colonel's wife, documented the intensity of the assault in her diary, describing how 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 weapon against Parliament again, Colonel Hutchinson ordered its complete destruction in 1643. The building was razed, its materials carted away for other purposes, and the site lay desolate and empty for approximately 25 years. The displaced congregation was temporarily accommodated in a gallery above the chancel of St Peter's, though this arrangement ended when that church too suffered damage during further fighting in January 1644.Resurrection in Brick: The Restoration Church
Against considerable odds, the faithful remnant of St Nicholas's congregation undertook the remarkable task of rebuilding their church. In September 1671, Nottingham's Town Council granted ten timber trees from the coppice for the church's restoration, marking the formal commencement of reconstruction. The new building, completed by 1678, represented a significant achievement during a period when few resources were devoted to ecclesiastical construction following the Restoration. The brick-built structure adopted a cross-like plan with a nave lacking aisles—a typical design of its period. In 1714, a curious inscription was discovered hidden on one of the church's rafters, signed by sexton B. Stephenson and rector J. Abson, reading: "This Church was burnt and pulled down in 1647 and begun again in 1671." Historians believe Lawrence Collin, a prominent Nottingham merchant whose house still stands nearby with its 1664 date stone, may have contributed significantly to the church's resurrection, perhaps motivated by guilt over his role as one of the gunners who had fired upon the building from the castle decades earlier.Victorian Transformation and Modern Preservation
The 18th and early 19th centuries saw the church adapt to changing worship practices and social customs. Spacious square pews were added to accommodate the voluminous skirts fashionable among ladies of the period, and galleries were constructed to seat "the humbler portion of the parishioners." In 1863, the interior underwent comprehensive remodelling: the galleries were removed, new pews were installed, and the old gallery fronts were ingeniously repurposed as chancel stalls for the choir. A new oak lectern was provided in 1899. By the mid-20th century, however, the church had fallen into considerable neglect and decay. In 1953, St Nicholas was designated a Grade II* listed building, recognising its architectural and historical importance. The tower underwent restoration in 1961 with assistance from the Historic Churches Preservation Trust. The chancel was stripped of ecclesiastical fittings in 1979, and the nave in 1991, reflecting evolving liturgical practices. A comprehensive renovation undertaken in 2010 ensured the church's continued viability for contemporary worship and community use.Urban Transformation and Enduring Presence
Throughout the 20th century, St Nicholas witnessed dramatic changes to its urban surroundings. The medieval maze of streets that had surrounded the church for centuries—with evocative names like Rosemary Lane, Walnut Tree Lane, and Gilliflower Hill—was razed during the 1960s to make way for Maid Marian Way, the modern thoroughfare that now defines the church's setting. This urban renewal transformed St Nicholas from a church nestled within a dense medieval streetscape into a solitary landmark standing prominently on a contemporary road. Despite these upheavals, the church has remained a focal point for worship, community gatherings, and historical reflection. Its tower, featuring a clock and single bell, continues to mark time in Nottingham's city centre, while its brick walls and interior spaces preserve memories of centuries past—from the baptisms of notable families to the quiet prayers of countless parishioners seeking solace and spiritual connection.A Living Monument to Resilience
St Nicholas Church embodies the resilience and determination of Nottingham's people across more than nine centuries. From its uncertain medieval origins through violent destruction and remarkable reconstruction, from Victorian remodelling to modern conservation, the church stands as a tangible record of faith, community, and survival. The Grade II* listing acknowledges not merely the building's architectural merit but its profound significance as a witness to English history—a survivor of civil war, urban transformation, and the passage of time itself. Today, visitors encounter a welcoming Anglican church that balances historical authenticity with contemporary pastoral needs, offering a quiet space for reflection within the bustling modern city.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St Nic's Church
0.0 km
Medieval survivor rebuilt from Civil War ashes, standing as Nottingham's testament to faith and resilience.
Statue of Captain Albert Ball
0.2 km
A striking bronze tribute in Nottingham Castle Gardens honoring WWI flying ace Captain Albert Ball’s valor and legacy.
St Peter's Church, Nottingham
0.3 km
A medieval sanctuary and historic gem in Nottingham’s city centre, blending centuries of architecture and community spirit.
The Tokenhouse
0.3 km
Explore The Tokenhouse in Nottingham for unique gifts and heartfelt treasures that capture the essence of the city.
King Charles I Standard Hill Monument
0.3 km
Historic site where King Charles I raised his standard in 1642, igniting the English Civil War and shaping Nottingham’s rich heritage.
Right Lion
0.3 km
Discover Nottingham’s iconic Right Lion, a historic stone sculpture and beloved meeting point near the Council House in Old Market Square.
Weekday Cross Monument
0.4 km
Historic heart of Nottingham’s medieval market life, commemorating centuries of trade and community gatherings in the Lace Market district.
The Left Lion
0.4 km
Meet Nottingham’s iconic Left Lion, a historic stone sentinel and beloved city landmark at the heart of Old Market Square.
Citylife UK
0.4 km
Explore Nottingham with Citylife UK, your trusted travel agency for personalized experiences and local insights.
Speakers' Corner
0.4 km
Nottingham’s vibrant Speakers' Corner offers a historic platform for free speech, lively debates, and community connection in the heart of the city.
The Hockley Arts Club
0.5 km
Discover Nottingham's vibrant cocktail culture at The Hockley Arts Club, where artistry meets exceptional mixology in a stylish bar setting.
King's Walk sign
0.6 km
A pedestrianised passage where Georgian elegance meets contemporary commerce in Nottingham's historic heart.
Scale Space Nottingham
0.6 km
Experience collaboration and innovation at Scale Space Nottingham, the premier co-working space in the heart of the city, perfect for entrepreneurs and remote workers.
16 Stoney Street
0.6 km
Discover 16 Stoney Street, a preserved Victorian lace warehouse in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market, echoing the city’s rich industrial heritage.
Watson Fothergill's Office
0.6 km
Explore the vibrant Gothic Revival office of Watson Fothergill, Nottingham’s iconic Victorian architect, showcasing intricate brickwork and historic homage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Robin Hood Statue
0.2 km
Iconic bronze statue of Robin Hood beside Nottingham Castle, celebrating the legendary outlaw and Nottingham’s rich folklore heritage.
The Original Nottingham Ghost Walk
0.2 km
Step into Nottingham’s haunted past with The Original Nottingham Ghost Walk, starting at the legendary Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem pub.
Nottingham Castle Visitors Centre
0.2 km
Gateway to Nottingham Castle’s rich history, interactive galleries, cave tours, and family-friendly adventures in the heart of the city.
Museum of Nottingham Life
0.2 km
Explore 300 years of Nottingham’s social history beneath historic 17th-century cottages and intriguing sandstone caves.
Mortimer’s hole
0.2 km
Explore Mortimer’s Hole, a secret medieval tunnel beneath Nottingham Castle steeped in history and mystery.
Nottingham Castle
0.3 km
Explore Nottingham Castle’s rich history, underground caves, and vibrant museums atop a scenic hill overlooking Nottingham’s cityscape.
Flying Horse Walk
0.3 km
Discover Nottingham’s elegant boutique arcade blending historic charm with artisanal shops and cozy cafes in a tranquil city-centre setting.
White Rose Nottingham Outlet
0.3 km
Leeds’ vibrant shopping and entertainment hub with over 120 stores, an IMAX cinema, and family-friendly outdoor play area.
Inspired
0.3 km
Discover Nottingham’s historic boutique arcade blending timeless charm, independent shops, and elegant Georgian architecture in the city’s vibrant heart.
Old Mkt Sq
0.3 km
Nottingham’s historic Old Market Square: a vibrant civic heart blending medieval roots with modern urban life and lively events.
Old Market Square
0.3 km
Discover the bustling heart of Nottingham at Old Market Square, a historical landmark rich in culture, events, and captivating architecture.
City of Caves
0.3 km
Explore Nottingham’s hidden underground world: medieval tanneries, wartime shelters and centuries of history carved into sandstone beneath the city streets.
Bell Inn
0.3 km
Step into Nottingham’s oldest pub where 15th-century beams, historic caves, and traditional ales create an unforgettable medieval atmosphere in the city’s heart.
Nottingham Contemporary
0.3 km
Explore cutting-edge contemporary art in Nottingham’s iconic sandstone gallery with free exhibitions, lively events, and a vibrant café.
The Exchange (Exchange Arcade)
0.4 km
Discover Nottingham’s oldest shopping arcade with exclusive boutiques beneath a stunning 200ft glass dome in the city centre.
Essential places to dine
World Service Restaurant
0.1 km
Elegant Modern European dining in Nottingham’s historic Newdigate House, blending ambitious cuisine with warm, attentive service.
The Cumin Restaurant
0.1 km
Experience authentic North Indian and Punjabi cuisine with bold flavors and warm hospitality in Nottingham’s family-run gem.
Fothergills
0.1 km
Historic bistro with local flavors and castle views in Nottingham’s architectural gem, welcoming all including dog lovers.
The Castle - Pub and Kitchen
0.2 km
Historic Nottingham gastropub offering hearty British dishes, craft ales, and a warm atmosphere next to Nottingham Castle.
No.Twelve
0.2 km
Experience the best of vegan dining at No.Twelve in Nottingham - where creativity meets sustainability for unforgettable meals.
Chino Latino
0.3 km
Savor vibrant Pan-Asian and Latino fusion dishes in a sleek, metropolitan setting at Nottingham’s award-winning Chino Latino.
The Roundhouse Bar & Kitchen
0.3 km
Historic charm meets casual dining with local craft beers and hearty pub classics in Nottingham’s city centre.
MemSaab
0.3 km
Experience award-winning Indian fine dining in Nottingham with MemSaab’s exquisite flavors and elegant ambiance on Maid Marian Way.
Calcutta Club
0.3 km
Experience regal Indian cuisine and refined hospitality inspired by the Maharajas’ polo clubs in the heart of Nottingham.
Restaurant Bar Gigi
0.3 km
Elegant Italian dining and cocktails in a historic Nottingham setting, perfect for intimate evenings and sharing inspired plates.
Zaap Thai Street Food
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant streets of Bangkok through authentic Thai street food, lively atmosphere, and quirky decor in the heart of Nottingham.
Everyday People
0.4 km
MasterChef-inspired ramen with rich broths and creative fusion dishes in Nottingham’s stylish Byard Lane eatery.
baresca
0.4 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant atmosphere in Nottingham’s lively Baresca, where Catalan flavours meet rustic charm.
Piccolino Nottingham
0.4 km
Elegant Italian dining with classic flavors, a vibrant cocktail bar, and alfresco terrace in Nottingham’s city centre.
Pizzamisú
0.4 km
Experience authentic Neapolitan pizza and Italian charm in Nottingham’s historic High Pavement at Pizzamisú.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Shop Zero
0.2 km
Nottingham’s zero-waste shop championing sustainable living with refillables, reusable goods, and community-driven eco-consciousness.
Common Choice
0.2 km
Curated fashion finds on Nottingham's historic Standard Hill—unique clothing blending trends, quality, and local flair for effortless style.
ChicChoiceHub
0.2 km
Discover Eastern elegance on Nottingham's historic Standard Hill at ChicChoiceHub, where oriental treasures meet Civil War legacy in a treasure trove of Asian artistry and crafts.
Vivienne Westwood
0.3 km
Discover bold British fashion and iconic accessories at Vivienne Westwood’s Nottingham boutique in historic Flying Horse Walk.
Garms Nottingham
0.3 km
Discover unique vintage streetwear and stylish outerwear at Garms Nottingham, a vibrant boutique nestled in the historic heart of Bridlesmith Gate.
OH DUCK IT
0.3 km
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
0.3 km
Discover curated women’s fashion with a personal, sustainable touch in Nottingham’s historic Bridlesmith Gate.
Relic x Hooked Nottingham
0.3 km
Discover eclectic vintage fashion and unique style treasures in Nottingham’s edgy and vibrant Relic x Hooked store.
18montrose
0.3 km
Discover premium streetwear and designer fashion at 18montrose, nestled in Nottingham’s historic Bridlesmith Gate shopping district.
White Stuff Nottingham
0.3 km
A cheerful, independent-feel clothing store on Nottingham’s main shopping street, offering relaxed British style for women, men and children.
Tutu urban boutique
0.4 km
Discover Nottingham’s stylish independent ladieswear boutique offering unique, high-quality fashion from emerging designers in a charming city centre arcade.
White Rose Nottingham WR6
0.4 km
Discover thoughtfully curated vintage and recycled fashion at White Rose Nottingham WR6, where style meets sustainability in the city’s historic heart.
The Bead Shop (Nottingham) Limited
0.4 km
A vibrant independent bead and craft shop in Nottingham’s historic Market Street, offering expert workshops and a vast range of jewellery-making supplies.
Primark
0.4 km
Explore vast, affordable fashion and home goods at Primark Nottingham, a lively city centre store with accessibility and style for all.
Lulu Brandy Vintage
0.4 km
Discover timeless style and sustainable fashion at Lulu Brandy Vintage, Nottingham’s premier vintage clothing boutique.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ye Olde Salutation Inn
0.1 km
Step into Nottingham’s oldest pub, where medieval history meets lively rock vibes and ghostly legends in a welcoming atmosphere.
Crafty Crow
0.2 km
A vibrant Nottingham pub offering innovative vegetarian dishes and a diverse craft beer selection near the historic Castle.
The Bierkeller Nottingham
0.2 km
Experience lively Bavarian beer hall vibes with authentic brews, live Oompah bands, and festive fun in Nottingham’s city centre.
Pepper Rocks
0.3 km
A lively Nottingham cocktail bar blending quirky charm, great value drinks, and a vibrant two-floor atmosphere for memorable nights out.
Canalhouse
0.3 km
Iconic canal-pierced pub blending Grade II heritage, world-class craft beers, and waterside vibes in Nottingham's vibrant core.
O'Neill's Market Square Nottingham
0.3 km
Lively Irish pub in Nottingham's Market Square: pub grub, live sports, DJ nights, and pints in a buzzing city-centre spot that parties till late.
Coco Tang -Cocktail Bar
0.3 km
Daytime Asian café and a theatrical underground cocktail bar — two distinct moods under one roof in Nottingham’s Lace Market.
Malt Cross
0.3 km
Historic Victorian music hall pub in Nottingham offering award-winning ales, live music, and a vibrant community atmosphere in a stunning heritage setting.
The Blind Rabbit
0.4 km
New York-inspired Nottingham bar blending juicy burgers, wild cocktails, live sports on mega screens, arcade games, and casual vibes in a historic Lace Market gem.
Billy Bootleggers Nottingham (formerly Percy Picklebackers)
0.4 km
Dive into Nottingham's live music heartbeat at Billy Bootleggers, where nightly gigs, moonshine cocktails, and Lace Market history fuel epic nights until 3am.
Slug & Lettuce - Market Square Nottingham
0.4 km
Vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant in Nottingham’s Market Square, known for lively atmosphere, diverse menu, and all-day 2-4-1 cocktails.
All Bar One Nottingham
0.4 km
Sophisticated wine bar in Nottingham's Weekday Cross, perfect for after-work unwinds, bottomless brunches, and vibrant evenings with global wines and sharing plates.
Pitcher & Piano Nottingham
0.4 km
Experience vibrant social life in a stunning Gothic church setting with creative cocktails and hearty British classics in Nottingham’s Lace Market.
Brass Monkey
0.4 km
Late‑night Lace Market cocktail bar with a big rum selection, polished service and warm, low‑lit interiors — ideal for cocktails into the small hours.
Cucamara
0.4 km
Lively late-night cocktail bar in Nottingham’s Hurts Yard, blending vibrant atmosphere with creative drinks and social energy.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Ocean Nightclub
0.2 km
Unpretentious beats and dazzling lights fuel all-night dances at Nottingham's go-to multi-room nightclub on Greyfriar Gate.
ICON
0.3 km
A compact, DJ-driven late-night club on St James’s Street — small footprint, high-energy nights and a tight city-centre atmosphere.
Tunnel Club
0.3 km
Loud. Intimate. Disruptive. Dive into Nottingham's raw underground beats at this city-center nightclub powerhouse.
Popworld - Nottingham
0.4 km
A neon-soaked, singalong pop-club in Nottingham city centre — colourful cocktails, nostalgic anthems and compact dancefloor energy.
The Cell
0.4 km
Dive into Nottingham's pulsing heart at The Cell, where affordable drinks, diverse beats, and Hockley's electric vibe fuel unforgettable nights of dance and discovery.
Tantra Night Clubs
0.5 km
Dive into Nottingham's electric nightlife at Tantra Night Clubs, where pulsating beats, dazzling lights, and stylish vibes create unforgettable nights of dance and discovery in the city center.
VIBES NIGHTLIFE
0.5 km
Dive into Nottingham's pulsating party hub where weekend beats, neon lights, and vibrant crowds fuel epic nights until 2am—pure vibes unleashed.
The Bodega Nottingham
0.5 km
Intimate two-level live-music bar and late-night club on Pelham Street — gritty, affordable and centred on close-up gigs and local sounds.
Revolution Nottingham - Hockley
0.6 km
Discover the lively Revolution Nottingham - Hockley, where craft cocktails and delicious food create unforgettable moments in a chic atmosphere.
Unit 13
0.6 km
Dive into Nottingham's underground bassline haven at Unit 13, where industrial beats and stellar DJs fuel unforgettable warehouse raves.
Love zoo
0.6 km
Dive into Nottingham's electrifying beats at Love Zoo, where house rhythms, dazzling lights, and cocktail-fueled nights create pure nightlife magic on Weekday Cross.
Wax Bar
0.6 km
Discover the lively nightlife at Wax Bar, Nottingham's premier cocktail bar and social club, featuring expertly crafted drinks and an inviting atmosphere.
CRISIS
0.7 km
Experience Nottingham’s legendary live music and nightlife at Rock City, a vibrant venue with a rich history and dynamic club nights.
Rescue Rooms
0.7 km
Nottingham's intimate live music powerhouse: raw gigs, electric crowds, and beats till 3am in a historic nook.
Rock City
0.7 km
Experience Nottingham’s iconic live music and nightclub venue, where legendary acts and vibrant club nights come alive in an intimate, energetic setting.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Minimalist 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
- Architectural Shots
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
