Church of St Nicholas (EHER 3387)

Church built in 1821 by MG Thompson, on site of a late 12th/early 13th century chapel (EHER 3386) which was demolished.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import. Church of St Nicholas. The Parish Church, rebuilt in 1821 by MG Thomson. The original likely 12th century church (EHER 3386) was demolished in 1821, although the present church is standing on the same site. <1> <2> Until 1821 the church was a chapelry of Dovercourt. <3> The present church contains a late 12th or early 13th century octagonal font in Purbeck marble from the old church. <4> 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>. The rebuilt church was consecrated in 1822 and the east end was re-ordered 1897. It is in perpendicular style and built in gault brick in Flemish bond with ashlar dressings and Coade stone pinnacles, cast-iron tracery and columns. It has a slate roof. Its plan is of a hall church with a 5-bay nave and 2-storey aisles. Its exterior has square west tower with west doors, flanked by entrance bays containing the stairs to tower and galleries. It has a canted east end with single-storey vestries to each side. There are box pews to the nave and galleries, doors removed for most part. The organ on the west gallery is by Flight and Robson. The east end is raised on step 1897 with new stalls, contemporary pulpit. <7> Additional references <8> <9> <10> Photographed <11>