St. Nicholas' Church, Leicester

Saint Nicholas' Church is the oldest surviving place of worship in Leicester, with origins dating back to 880 A.D. Located next to the Jewry Wall, the remnants of Leicester’s Roman baths, the church has long stood as a historical landmark with possible Roman-era foundations. Its Norman tower adds to its architectural significance.

By 1825, the church had fallen into serious disrepair, and plans were made for its demolition. However, financial constraints prevented its replacement, leading instead to an extensive renovation between 1875 and 1884, including the addition of a new north aisle. Restoration efforts continued into the 20th century, incorporating elements such as a 15th-century octagonal font from the former Church of Saint Michael the Greater in Stamford.

In the 1950s, the church’s focus shifted toward serving local university students, eventually becoming the official church of the University of Leicester despite being some distance from the campus. More recently, Saint Nicholas has embraced an Inclusive Church mission, actively welcoming worshippers from diverse sexualities, identities, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Reflecting its strong LGBTQ+ community, the church prominently displays pride flags.

Saint Nicholas is also home to a unique 1890 organ by local builder J. Porritt, incorporating pipework from an earlier instrument dating to the 1830s. Its three historic bells, cast in 1617, 1656, and 1710, were removed in 1949 due to the tower’s structural weakness and later reinstalled in 2002. They were rung in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee Visit to Leicester that year.

Standing just outside the inner ring road, Saint Nicholas' Church continues to blend its rich history with a modern, inclusive vision, making it an enduring part of Leicester’s spiritual and cultural fabric.