St Nicholas' Church, Gloucester 
The great tower and spire of St Nicholas' Church from the west. Click for
larger sizes and see our St Nicholas' Church Photo Gallery for more.
View from the south.
St Nicholas' Church is an interesting parish church on the northwest side of Gloucester.
History
St Nicholas was built in the Norman style in 1190, but most of the building dates from the 13th and 15th centuries. It originally greeted visitors to Gloucester as they entered the city through the West Gate, which no longer exists.
Dedicated to the patron saint of sailors and merchants, the church was especially popular in the 16th century - so much so that squints had to be inserted in the walls of the chancel so the congregation crowded into the side chapels could see the altar.
The tall spire suffered a direct hit during the Civil War Siege of Gloucester (1643) and was reduced by about half its height in 1783.
What to See
The great 15th-century tower and truncated spire (originally 200 feet high) of St Nicholas' Church dominate Westgate Street, just a block or so from the cathedral. The tower has a noticeable lean.
Remains from the original Norman church of 1190 can be seen in the north door tympanum, which depicts the Agnus Dei, and the northwest nave arcade.
Inside are a wide variety of monuments and memorials dating mostly from the 16th and 17th centuries. One particularly fine monument is the 17th-century effigy tomb of Alderman John Walton in the Chantry of St. Mary.
Quick Facts
| Names: | St Nicholas' Church; Church of St Nicholas |
| Type of site: | Parish church |
| Faith: | Anglican (originally Roman Catholic) |
| Status: | Not active but still consecrated. Managed by the Churches Conservation Trust. |
| Dates: | 13th century with 15th century additions |
| Architecture: | Norman and Gothic |
| Location: | Northwest city centre of Gloucester, England |
| Website: | None |
| Hours: | Open daily |
| Cost: | Free; donations welcome |
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of St Nicholas' Church. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Gloucester Map or get our free Google Earth download.
Sources
- Personal visit (exterior only; October 15, 2007).
- Churches of Gloucestershire - Britannia
- St Nicholas' Church, Gloucester (PDF) - Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society (1900)
- St Nicholas Church - personal website devoted to the "Leaning Tower of Gloucester"
