St Peter
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
St Peter’s (in St Peter’s Square, next to M&S) is an ancient building with several contemporary features, where you will find a remarkable oasis of peace and tranquillity at the heart of Nottingham’s busy life.
Welcome to St Nic's! Ours is a red brick church, built in 1678. It has a square tower, and the clock on the north side says: "It is time to seek the Lord". We have gravestones of three local heroes. Abel Collin (1653-1705) left money to build alms-houses, and the foundation he started still offers housing at its development on Derby Road. Dr John Attenburrow (1756-1843) was the first to vaccinate against smallpox in Nottingham, and saved many people's lives. Tom Booth (1677-1752) was a notorious poacher in Nottingham's Park.
When you come into our church, it looks very modern and bright. You'll see the chancel with its circular baptistry, and the nave with wooden floor with space for seating and events. Round the walls are monuments, including one for the Hawkesley family, forbears of Thomas Hawkesley (1807-1893) civil engineer, and the Collins family. Look out for the Royal coat of arms with its lion and unicorn.
St Nic's is one of the three medieval foundations in Nottingham, alongside St Peter's and St Mary's. St Nic's is first mentioned in the Foundation Charter of Lenton Priory, 1100-1115.
During the civil war, royalists crept into St Nic's tower and bombarded the Parliamentarian-held castle. Colonel Hutchinson held Nottingham Castle for the Parliament, and ordered the church to be completely destroyed.
The site of St Nic’s remained desolate for 25 years. The new church building, as it stands today, was completed in 1678.