Church History

St Nicholas’ Church, an Anglican parish church in Thames Ditton, is a Grade I listed building. Parts of the church date back to the 12th century.

St Nicholas’ Church was originally a long, narrow Norman building from the bell tower to the chancel. The tower walls and the north wall of the chancel are part of the original Norman structure and contain lancet windows. The church has one of the finest fonts in Surrey. It has some unique sculptures and dates from around 1120. Additions came with a 14th century chapel on the north and a 15th century north aisle.

There are several fine brasses (but no brass rubbing, please) and behind the clergy stall on the left is an interesting sedilia monument commissioned by Erasmus Forde, prior to his death in 1531. Richard Byfield was the vicar from 1649 to 1660 was also chaplain to Oliver Cromwell and a leading writer and theologian.

The vestry was originally a burial vault built in 1676. The north aisle was enlarged in 1836 and a south aisle added in 1864.

The bells were mentioned in an inventory of 1552 and were increased to six in number in 1753.

The East Window is 20th century, set in 14th century tracery by Geoffrey Webb, and depicts St Nicholas.

The bells were recast in 1962 and re-hung in a new frame in 1981.

Here is a link to a YouTube video that our Tower Captain, Giles Andre explains how bell ringing works. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzX4WSzVLh0&t=9s

If you are interested in bell ringing, do please contact us link to Helping Out page

For more history of St Nicholas' Church visit our Wikipedia page.