Ever thought about how a church could rise from the ashes not once but twice? That is the story of St Nicholas Cole Abbey. We stand here on Queen Victoria Street. This location marks centuries of history. St Nicholas Cole Abbey has witnessed London’s greatest trials and transformations.
Let’s begin with its origins. The church is dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Myra. He is the 4th-century saint. The name “Cole Abbey” comes from “coldharbour”. This was a medieval term for a traveler’s shelter. Despite its name, it was never an abbey. The earliest mention of St Nicholas Cole Abbey is in a letter from Pope Lucius II. That dates back to 1144.
Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of children and fishermen. This church holds special ties to both. During the Reformation, the church kept investments for children. This suggests a tradition of electing a boy bishop on Saint Nicholas Day. Deeds from Richard I’s reign mention a new fish market near the church. By 1272, it was known as “St Nick’s behind Fish Street”. Fishmongers were often buried here. In Elizabeth I’s time, a cistern fed by the Thames stood against the north wall. It served the fishmongers of Old Fish Street.
Like all English churches, St Nicholas Cole Abbey turned Protestant during the Reformation. When Queen Mary I took the throne, this church celebrated the first Mass. This happened on 23 August 1553. The then rector, Thomas Sowdley, lost his position. He had obtained a marriage license during Edward VI’s reign.
A century later, Colonel Francis Hacker owned the living of St Nicholas Cole Abbey. He was a Puritan. Hacker commanded Charles I’s execution detail.
The Great Fire of London destroyed St Nicholas Cole Abbey in 1666. Charles II wanted to give the site to the Lutheran community. However, lobbying prevented it. The parish merged with St Nicholas Olave. This nearby church was also destroyed but not rebuilt. St Nicholas Cole Abbey was rebuilt between 1672 and 1678. It cost about 5042 pounds. The records mention “Dinner for Dr Wren”. Also “Half a pint of canary for Dr Wren’s coachmen”. St Nicholas Cole Abbey was the first of the fifty-one lost churches to be rebuilt after the fire.
In 1737, George Whitefield preached here. He was an early Methodist leader. His sermon was on “Profane swearing in church”.
Victorian redevelopment changed the area. The south wall of St Nicholas Cole Abbey overlooked Queen Victoria Street. In 1874, the church was reordered. Windows opened to the south. The main doorway moved from the northwest tower.
Smoke from underground trains blackened the exterior. In the late 19th century, it was known as “St Nicholas Cole Hole Abbey”.
In 1881, attendance dwindled. Only one man and one woman attended services. Then, in 1883, Henry Shuttleworth became rector. He was a Christian Socialist. Shuttleworth installed a bar. He established a musical program. He made the church a center for debate. By 1891, St Nicholas Cole Abbey had the largest congregation of any City church. About 450 people worshipped on a Sunday evening.
On 10 May 1941, London suffered a terrible air raid. St Nicholas Cole Abbey was severely damaged. The church remained a shell until Arthur Bailey restored it. It was reconsecrated in 1962.
Today, St Nicholas Cole Abbey stands as a testament to resilience. It is a Grade I listed building. The tower has a lead spire. It is shaped like an upside-down octagonal trumpet. A vane in the shape of a three-masted barque sits at the very top.
Inside, stained glass windows by Keith New dominate the east wall. They replace windows destroyed in 1941. A medieval stone head is behind a panel near the south door. The carved pulpit and font cover are from the 17th century.
St Nicholas Cole Abbey has a rich history. It has survived fire and war. It has adapted to changing times. It stands here as a symbol of faith and renewal. A place where history and spirituality intertwine. It continues to serve the community. It offers a space for reflection and worship.