Site of 12th century St Nicholas Church, Harwich (EHER 3386)

The site of a 12th century church with was rebuilt in 1821 as the current St Nicholas Church which contains a 12th century font from the original church. In 1712 it was reported that the south aisle of the church was in danger of collapse, and special rates were raised to pay for the repair bill. Little is known about the medieval parish church of St Nicholas however it is recorded that in 1822 the church was considered to be in a state of collapse and it was demolished and the current church erected in its place.

The church was rebuilt in 1821 on the same site as an earlier church, and contains the original 12th century font. <1> <2> The church contains a wall tablet of 1660 from the original building. 19th century cast iron railings and a post on south west side of the churchyard are also listed. <3> The years immediately following the Reformation were one of change and counter-change in the parish church, as recorded by the Churchwardens' account book <4>. The church plate was sold by 1547, rapidly followed by the sale of the other church movables. The reign of Mary (1553-1558) saw the repair and replacement of items damaged or sold during the reign of Edward VI. Under Elizabeth the new rood screen, loft, altar were all removed and the images which stood in the chancel, vestry and windows were defaced. In 1712 it was reported that the south aisle was in danger of collapse, and special rates were raised to pay for the repair bill. In 1822 the church was considered to be in a state of collapse and it was demolished and the current church erected in its place. It is in the Perpendicular Style with cast iron columns and is notable as an example of a nineteenth century 'Church Commissioners' church' <5> In 1177 Hugh Bigod, Earl of Norfolk, willed the tithes of the chapel at Harwich to Earls Colne Priory. This was probably the predecessor of the Parish Church of St Nicholas. Little is known about the medieval parish church of St Nicholas, as it was demolished to make way for the current nineteenth century structure. However the town map of 1603 <5> depicts it as having a nave and chancel and a tall tower with a spire, located on the junction of the nave and chancel. The tower served as a navigation aid and a light was stationed in it <6>.