St Nicolas, Guildford

St Nicolas sits at the western end of Guildford, just across the old town bridge from the centre. Observed from the High Street, it forms a pleasing vista: up close, and the appalling town planning of the area between the High Street and the railway station becomes apparent. St Nicolas ought to have a lovely spot between a pub and the river. Instead, the area is dominated by the car park, inner ring roas and a clutch of grim office buildings.

The best antidote to this is to enter the church. A mediaeval foundation, it was first rebuilt in 1837 by Robert Ebbels to a neo-Gothick design, incorporating the mediaeval tower. Of poor quality, this was not a success and both tower and church were replaced in 1875 by the present 13th-Century design by Samuel Sanders Teulon (1812-1873) and executed by Ewan Christian (1814-1895). Only the 15th Century Loseley Chapel on the south side survived from the mediaeval church. 

Teulon's design consists of an aisled nave, transepts and a short apse, with a central tower. One of the aisles has an odd traversal vault, but otherwise the design is simple and pleasing, a feeling emphasised by the whitewashed walls, with the ceiling panels picked out in red. In stark contrast, the highly decorated west wall is by Joseph Aloysius Pippet of Howard & Hardman. This forms a backdrop to the church's main fitting, the elaborate marble font with its towering Victorian High-Gothic cover, designed by Thomas Woodyer (left). The stained glass and other mosaics are by Clayton & Bell.

The separate Loseley Chapel - entered from the adjoining church centre - contains the tomb of Arnold Brocas (d. 1395), whose defaced but still impressive effigy lies under an elaborate canopy of three cinquefoiled arches. Brocas was both rector here, a canon of Lincoln and Wells, and Clerk of the King's works at the Palace of Westminster. Adjacent is the equally impressive memorial to Sir William (d. 1600) and Margaret More. Their life-size alabaster effigies are surrounded by Corinthian columns and cherubs, the whole edifice further flanked by matching memorials with kneeling effigies of their son (Sir George More) and wife and 2 daughters.

The church has a weekly mass and hosts regular concerts, a 'Cafe Play' baby & toddler group and a Friday morning coffee shop.

St Nicolas, Bury St, Guildford GU2 4AW