St Nicholas is an exceptionally interesting building dating back to the twelfth century, with visible interventions from every succeeding century, including some high quality early 20th century work; the building is a tangible link to the rural past of an area which has been subsumed into London.
Plumstead, Greater London
St Nicholas was originally built in the 10th century on a spur of chalky ground rising from the clayey marshes of the Thames. The church of St Nicholas today is in Plumstead, 16km east of London, in a densely populated, multicultural area, but unlike many churches in the greater London area, the front of St Nicholas has retained a sense of a village church and is as inviting as the welcome visitors receive.
Grade II* listed, the church has been at the centre of the parish of Plumstead for 1000 years. It is likely that St Nicholas has foundations, or parts, that date to the earliest mention of Plumstead in 960. The current church today dates from the 12th century with the south aisle the oldest remains that are above ground. It has elements from every century thereafter and most visible is the west tower built in 1664; the 15th century north aisle is now the nave, rebuilt in 1818 and a major restoration of 1867-8 was by CH Cooke. Extensive enlargements were made in 1907-8 by Greenaway & Newberry, as the railway continued to bring expansion to the nearby Woolwich Arsenal and surrounding areas.
The church suffered severe damage near the end of WWII and was repaired in 1959 by T.F. Ford & Partners. The High altar, altar & baldacchino, font, clergy & choir stall by Stephen Dykes Bower, along with a reredos painting by Donald Towner and a window by Martin Travers date from the post war restoration of the church.
Situated directly between the two new Elizabeth line stations of Woolwich and Abbey Wood, why not come and see us when exploring the area.
Woolwich, Greater London
It is believed that there has been a church on this site since the 9th century or even earlier, St Mary Magdalene stands at the end of a spur of high ground, which reaches out northwards towards the River Thames.
Shooter's Hill, Greater London
Bexleyheath, Greater London
Christ Church is the most iconic building in Bexleyheath and the largest Parish church in the Borough of Bexley.
