Whispers of history echo within these walls. St Nicholas Cole Abbey stands before you a testament to resilience and faith. This isn’t just any church. This is a survivor. It’s a story etched in stone and whispered on the wind.
Originally built sometime before 1144 St Nicholas Cole Abbey’s dedication to Saint Nicholas of Myra speaks volumes. He’s the patron saint of children and fishermen. The church’s history intertwines with theirs. Records from the Protestant Reformation show vestments for children. This suggests a long-standing tradition of electing a boy bishop on Saint Nicholas Day. A connection to the fishmongers is also clear. A lead and stone cistern fed by the Thames stood against the north wall to serve them. This was during the reign of Elizabeth I. The church was ‘St Nick’s behind Fish Street’ in a 1272 Charter.
The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed St Nicholas Cole Abbey. Sir Christopher Wren’s office rebuilt it. But that wasn’t the end of its trials. During the Second World War German bombs caused substantial damage. Arthur Bailey reconstructed it in 1961-62.
The church’s story is punctuated by significant moments. In 1553 it was the first church to celebrate Mass after Queen Mary I’s accession. The incumbent rector Thomas Sowdley faced consequences for marrying under Edward VI. A century later Colonel Francis Hacker owned the living. He led the execution detail for Charles I. The church even features in popular culture. It was the setting for a gold bullion heist in the 1951 Ealing comedy The Lavender Hill Mob.
In the 19th century smoke from underground trains blackened the exterior. It became known as St Nicholas Cole Hole Abbey. Rev Henry Shuttleworth revitalized the church around 1883. He was a Christian Socialist who introduced a bar and a vibrant musical program. By 1891 St Nicholas Cole Abbey had the largest congregation of any City church.
Today St Nick’s Church thrives. It holds contemporary Sunday services alongside midweek meetings. It’s a living testament to the enduring spirit of faith and community. The church continues to serve its community. It also maintains its rich history. Its walls whisper tales of survival transformation and enduring faith. They stand as a beacon of hope in the heart of London.