Rare chance to see inside mediaeval Gloucester church

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democray Reporter

People have the chance to visit a historic church in Gloucester during the run-up to Christmas.

St Nicholas’ Church which was built for merchant traders beside the city’s long since demolished West Gate is open from 10am to 4pm from Monday to Saturday until December 21.

Cards For Good Causes volunteers are selling Christmas cards for many good causes including Cancer Research UK, the RSPCA, Cats Protection and the NSPCC among many others.

The church is a city landmark, known for its leaning, truncated white stone spire.

Damage was caused to the spire by a direct hit by Royalist troops during the Siege of Gloucester in 1643 – and it is now topped with an attractive coronet. The existing church dates back to the twelfth century, though most of it was rebuilt in the thirteenth and larger windows were added later.

Formerly one of Gloucester’s most prosperous parish churches, many of its wonderful monuments and memorial slabs commemorate significant citizens, some showing figures in glorious Stuart costume.

Most important is the altar tomb of Alderman John Wallton, who died in 1626.

On either side of the chancel are sixteenth-century squints, giving the congregation a view of the sanctuary and there is an unusual Royal Arms above the south doorway that references not one but three monarchs – George I, George II and Charles II.

Kirsty Brain, one of the volunteers, said: “The money from these Christmas cards will go towards many, many good causes.

“We sell cards for over 70 plus charities and a wide range from cancer charities to dementia, all sorts.

“Everything we sell is eco-friendly, from packaging that’s wrapped in the cards themselves, so it’s all good for the environment as well.

“Buying a Christmas card from us is going to help a lot of people along the way”.

She said if it proves to be successful this year they are hoping to do it again next year.

“We have hopes of setting up a year round store. Our managers and a number of volunteers are neurodivergent or have disabilities.

“We get to give back to the community by volunteering. All of the managers are creatives with various art projects.”

The main access if via Westgate Street down five steps to the nave or there is level access via a door on the north side with wheelchair ramp and paved concrete surface. Cards For Good Causes only accepts card for payment.

The grade I-listed church is under the care of The Churches Conservation Trust. It is available to hire for events.

It is a unique and beautiful venue with fine acoustics. And is also available for wedding blessings and funeral services.

Earlier this year, Gloucester City Council agree to expand the conservation area to include St Nicholas Square and the space to the front of the Dukeries on Westgate Street, near to the grade I listed St Nicholas’s Church and opposite the grade II* ‘Folk of Gloucester’.

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk