Funding Boost for Chiswick's Oldest Building
St. Nicholas gets grant from National Churches Trust
The tower of St. Nicholas Church dates back to 1425. Picture: Donald Maxwell
December 10, 2024
The future of Chiswick oldest building has been made more secure following the announcement of a grant facilitated by the National Churches Trust (NCT).
The Grade II* Listed tower at St. Nicholas Church dates back to 1425 but much of the exterior stonework has deteriorated with age, crumbling away, with parts of the building now unsafe due to loose stonework.
Work to protect it has already been enabled by local fundraising efforts, but these are now being supplemented by a £10,000 Wolfson Fabric Repair Grant from the Wolfson Foundation made on the recommendation of the NCT for urgent repairs.
The grant will enable the stones to be cleaned, repaired and repointed to make the church safe again and to make the building windproof and watertight.
Father Simon Brandes, from St Nicholas Church in Chiswick, said, “The completion of the stonework restoration is now urgent – to make it safe for local residents, its many visitors and church congregations, and to ensure a consistent appearance to the exterior of this Grade II* listed building.”
"St Nicholas church is an important hub at the heart of the life of the Old Chiswick community, situated on the banks of the River Thames. We have invested in the development and restoration of the church over the past 13 years to enable us to expand the services we provide to the community.
“The PCC is extremely grateful to the National Churches Trust and the Wolfson Foundation for the award of £10,000 as a contribution towards the £300,000 cost of this vital work.”
The interior of the church includes notable Victorian stained glass windows. Picture: Father Simon Brandes
Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the NCT, said, "The National Churches Trust is delighted to be able to support St Nicholas church to enable them to carry out urgent repairs to their beautiful building. Not only will this protect this important heritage, but it will help to keep the church building open and serving local people.”
“Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to community services or a place to worship, the National Churches Trust helps hundreds of churches each year and with the support of local people, keeps them thriving today and tomorrow.”
Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, added, "While churches are primarily places of worship, they also serve as vital community landmarks. We are delighted to continue our partnership with the National Churches Trust to ensure these cherished buildings and conserved and restored for future generations to experience and enjoy."
The church is an architectural landmark in Chiswick – but also provides vital community support, thanks to the new kitchen and toilets that have been installed in the building. The church doesn’t just support vulnerable people through holding a warm space, providing debt counselling and hosting monthly lunches for people living alone, but also provides a hub for the arts and music. The church hosts concerts, which support emerging classical musicians and runs art and history tours, art shows and auctions, working with local artists.
St Nicholas sits on the Thames in the Old Chiswick Conservation Area, on a site that has held Christian worship since the 7th century. The church stands in Church Street on the banks of the River Thames near the former ferry, which was the only means of crossing the river for many years.
The dedication of a church to St Nicholas, patron saint of sailors and fishermen, was a common practice where the parishioners’ livelihood depended on water.
It has a surprising link to Oliver Cromwell; Cromwell’s daughter lived in Chiswick, and it is thought by some that Oliver Cromwell’s headless body was buried at the church after his remains were dug up when King Charles II came to the throne.
The church was designed by architect John Loughborough Pearson, famous for designing Truro and Brisbane Cathedrals, and who made improvements to Westminster Abbey and Peterborough Cathedral, among others. It was completed in 1884, although a few 15th century features remain, including the tower that dates back to the fifteenth century. Inside the church you will find many Victorian stained glass windows by Clark & Gable.
Oliver Cromwell’s daughter lived in Chiswick and it is thought that Oliver Cromwell’s headless body was buried at the church after his remains were dug up when King Charles II came to the throne.
In 2023, the National Churches Trust made over 180 grant awards to churches throughout the UK, with funding totalling more than £2 million. This has helped to save over 70,000 years of heritage.
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