A mile or so beyond the branch line terminus that bears its name, the attractive old village centre of Shepperton sits on the bank of the Thames, where it curves sharply through a 180 degree meander.
The river has played a decisive role in the development of the church, for in 1605-6 a flood took away much of the 12th Century building. It was rebuilt using salvaged materials, although recent archaeology suggests at least some of the 12th Century structure survived to be incorporated into the new church. Externally, much use was made of flint and stone chequerboard, and it looks as though some of the Perpendicular windows survived, too.
The west tower was added at the expense of the Rector, Lewis Atterbury, in 1714. This is a quaint brick structure with the surprisingly small plan of 12ft by 8ft, which necessitated an external staircase to the ringing chamber and west gallery. The story goes that Queen Anne, to whom Atterbury was Chaplain, suggested the church would be improved with the addition of a tower, so he paid for it himself - but clearly kept the costs down. The attractive tower clock was added in 1769.
The interior has a modest, homely nave, with transepts and a rather dark chancel, thanks to some heavy Victorian glass. The west gallery was added in 1834 and bears the Royal Arms, probably those of William IV. In the north transept is an unusual survivor in the form of a manorial gallery, accessed by an external staircase. The fittings are all from the 19th Century and include several rows of box pews in the nave, complete with poppyheads.
The church is centre of a busy parish, with close connections to the primary school that bears its name.
St Nicholas, Church Square, Shepperton TW17 9JY
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