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St
Nicholas Church stands at the eastern end of Great
Wakering High Street, south east Essex.
The church stands only 18 feet above sea level,
but this was sufficient to protect it from the 1953
floods, when water swept over the village common
but stayed about a hundred yards from the building.
|  | The
Nave and Chancel
of St Nicholas Church were built in 1100, and the lower part of the Tower
in 1130. The upper part of the Tower was completed
towards the end of the 12th century. The Spire
was added in the 14th century. The
Roof is tiled and the Spire is boarded. |  |
Apart
from the Victorian Lady
Chapel, the church is built of roughly
coursed ragstone rubble, some septaria, flint
and Roman tile. The corner dressings are of
Reigate and other limestone.
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On the north wall, below a 15th century window, is a smaller window opening dating
from the 12th century. This window opening is partially blocked up and fitted
with a 16th century window. There
is a blocked door on the north wall. | | |
The
church is surrounded by the churchyard, which is managed and maintained by the
Great Wakering Parish Council. The parish burial ground is adjacent to the churchyard. | | |
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The
information about the church was compiled by Mr G.B. Spencer,
Mrs J.A. Plaister, Mrs G.M. Rawlinson and the Rev. Brian Shannon
from a variety of historical sources, including the church records
and the Royal Commission on Historical Monuments in Essex.
Photographs
by Ron Parr and Lynn Parr |
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