The History Of Our Church

St Nicholas stands on a site that was given to Worcester Cathedral in 760AD by Offa, King of Mercia. The northern wall of the Chancel incorporates Saxon work from around 950AD (uncovered & preserved in 1983). In 1253AD Peter de Mora granted the church to Kenilworth Priory which retained it until the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

The church was re-consecrated in 1286 after major re-building by Godfrey Giffard, Bishop of Worcester. The lower parts of the tower are probably part of the 1286 church. The pillar piscina on the south wall of the chancel, the nearby lancet window, and the small coffin lid on the west wall are also 13th century.

Church Bells

The tower has provision for three bells but a tenor that was sent to be recast never returned; the two which remain date from 1560/70 and 1632. In 1962 this bell was hung for swing chiming and the older bell was placed on the church floor.

Registers

The Registers start with marriages and burials in 1540 - shortly after the Crown took the church from Kenilworth Priory.

Reconstruction

Extensive reconstruction work took place in the 18th century when the south aisle was removed and the small vestry (which incorporates many of the Southam memorial stones) was built. This work gave the Church the Georgian character that remains evident today. 

In 1923 the Kendall family paid for further major work which included the removal of the gallery from the West end and also the flat nave ceiling (which was replaced in 1953). 

In 1930 a stove replaced oil lamps for heating the Church and in 1938 electric lighting was installed. The small pipe organ was a gift from Styvechale Church, Coventry in 1947. 

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