St Nicholas' Church, Gloucester, Gloucestershire

Address:
Westgate Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2PG
How to find us | Access information
Opening times:
Gloucester St. Nicholas' can be visited using keys collected from Brimbles Cafe or The Folk Museum opposite the church on Westgate Street. For enquiries please contact Local Community Officer Isobel Milne [email protected]
  • Photo: Isabel Assaly
  • Photo: Andy Marshall
  • Photo: Andy Marshall
  • Photo: Andy Marshall
  • Overview
  • Map
  • What's nearby

The leaning tower of Gloucester

This Medieval church was built for merchant traders beside Gloucester's (now vanished) west gate.

The church is a city landmark, known for its leaning, truncated white stone spire. Damage was caused to the spire by a direct hit by Royalist troops during the Siege of Gloucester in 1643 - and it is now topped with an attractive coronet.

The existing church dates back to the twelfth century, though most of it was rebuilt in the thirteenth and larger windows were added later.

Formerly one of Gloucester's most prosperous parish churches many of its wonderful monuments and memorial slabs commemorate significant citizens, some showing figures in glorious Stuart costume. Most important is the altar tomb of Alderman John Wallton (died 1626) and his wife Alice. On either side of the chancel are sixteenth-century squints, giving the congregation a view of the sanctuary and there is an unusual Royal Arms above the south doorway that references not one but three monarchs - George I, George II and Charles II.

  • Access information

    General access is either from Westgate down 5 steps to the nave, or there is level access via door on the north side with wheelchair ramp and paved / concrete surface. Please note the ramp can be slippery and so could be dangerous.

  • Facilities & Hire

    St Nicholas' church is available to hire for events. It is a unique and beautiful venue with fine acoustics. It is also available for wedding blessings and funeral services.

    Due to its historic nature the church has no running water or toilet facilities so thought needs to be given for events longer than a couple of hours. The church works in partnership with The Folk museum opposite who can help provide these facilities. 

    St Nicholas' Church does have electricity and can seat 240 people. If you would like to hire this church please contact Isobel Milne [email protected]

    Events held at St Nicholas' Church include exhibitions, performances and musical events. 

     

  • Directions

    At the lower end of Westgate Street in the city centre, close to the cathedral; the church is opposite the museum and 250 metres from the ring road.

    The nearest parking is the Westgate Street Car Park  Westgate car park - Gloucester City Council

  • Transport
    Nearest railway station: Gloucester (0.5 mile). Bus route number 351
  • History & Further Information

    Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church and the CCT before you visit?

    You can download a range of publications below including the relevant county guide, and any walk round guides we have for this church.

    Bristol & Gloucestershire County Guide

     This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches CCT cares for in Bristol & Gloucestershire County Guide. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.

    St. Nicholas' Gloucester Guidebook

     

  • Volunteering Opportunities

    Stewards Wanted

    The Churches Conservation Trust are seeking volunteers to enable the wonderful 12th Century St Nicholas Church on Westgate Street in Gloucester to regularly open this summer. We ask volunteers to commit to manning the church for a couple of hours a week or every other week on either a Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Training and historical information will be provided to help you answer any questions visitors may have. Two volunteers are required for each time slot to enable us to open the doors to welcome residents and visitors alike to enjoy this amazing building.

    Could you be the key to unlocking access to this church?  If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions, please contact Local Community Officer Isobel Milne and let her know your availability by emailing [email protected] or calling 07900 214199. We look forward to hearing from you.

  • Community information

    Click on the link below to download a copy of the church plan which sets out the shared vision for the future of the church.

    Church plans are a living document which combines information on the church’s history and its current use, outlines maintenance and repair needs, combines this with feedback and recommendations from the community, and concludes with an action plan setting out agreed short, medium and long term goals to support the sustainable use and care of the church.

    This is a working document that will be updated on a regular basis. If you have any feedback or if you want to contact us about the church plan please drop us a line. When you write, please do give the name of the church, thank you!

    Gloucester Church Plan 2023 .pdf

     

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