Facilities and features
Accessibility
Toilets are a short walk away from the church in a purpose built block.
A short walk away from the church in the purpose built toilet block.
Toilets are a short walk away from the church in a purpose built block.
There is one space outside the church reserved for a blue badge holder.
A short walk away from the church on the wall of the toilet block
A portable ramp is available at the church entrance
Our Building
The Parish Church of St Nicholas has been a place of Christian worship for over 1000 years. Excluding Ripon Cathedral (672AD) and Hexham Abbey (674AD), St Nicholas’ Worth (c. 950) is the 11th oldest church in the country.
Ninety nine per cent of the walls of the nave, the three great arches and the two transepts which we see today, are original Saxon work. The stonework of the apse is also Saxon and the large chancel is unique in an English church of this age.
The style of the church itself is cruciform: the West (entrance) door is 14th century and upon entering the building, one is immediately aware of the huge Saxon arch at the east end of the Nave. At 22 feet high and 14 feet wide this is possibly one of the largest Saxon arches in existence. It is a powerful expression of the faith and dedication of the masons and builders who constructed it and its companion arches on either side.
The Chancel and Sanctuary area beyond the giant Saxon arch retains that feeling of space and peace which would have been familiar to our Saxon forebears. The stained glass window in the north wall is Victorian, and the chandeliers are 17th century. The 17th century communion rail (said to have come from an Oxford college chapel) of German workmanship, separates an area which would have once housed the High Altar. Nowadays the altar in the chancel is the focus for the celebration of the Eucharist each Sunday.
More on the history of this remarkable building is available on our website https://worthparish.org/stnicholashistory/
Music and Worship
The bell ringers practise most Thursdays, between 7.30pm and 9pm, often adjourning to the pub afterwards. Contact us by emailing [email protected]. There is no age limit (although you should ideally be at least 10 years old) and full training will be provided.
We have a regular programme of live musical events in the wonderful acoustic of our building. If you would like to hire it for a concert, we ask for a donation. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
The organ was given in 1903 by Sir Weetman and Lady Pearson (later the first Viscount and Viscountess Cowdray) "to commemorate the coming of age of their eldest son" (Weetman Harold Miller Pearson, the 2nd Viscount Cowdray, and grandfather of the current Viscount.)
Every Sunday morning at 0815 (half an hour) Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion
St Nicholas’ has supported a remarkable choral tradition since the end of the 15th century. Worth Choir, who sing here, are a small group of singers who work hard to maintain this high standard of musical excellence. We have a varied repertoire but particularly enjoy singing music from the Renaissance. We are currently seeking new members – perhaps you were once a chorister and could be persuaded back into singing, or you just fancy being part of a choir for the first time. We would be very happy to welcome anyone interested in joining us, so please get in touch.
We rehearse on Fridays 7.30-8.50pm in St Nicholas’ Church, Worth and adjourn to the pub at least once a month. We practise again at 9.30am on Sunday morning, prior to the 10am Sung Eucharist. No specific musical experience is required to join the choir. More important is the enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Even if you could only sing one Sunday a month, this would really help. Or perhaps you can only commit to our twice-a-year Evensongs or help out at Christmas time? Whatever your circumstances, we’d love to hear from you so email [email protected].
Groups, Courses and Activities
Help for Visitors
As you enter, you will find laminated sheets - one for inside the church and one for the graveyard - detailing things of interest that you can walk round and see. We may also be able to arrange tours for you, if needed so do contact us and we will try to accommodate your requests - email [email protected].
Available free handheld quick guides and also guidebooks to take away at a cost of £1.
Open from around 9am until dusk , or around 5pm.
Other Features
The church sits in a conservation area and is a site of historical significance.
Worth PCC welcomes the use of Prayers of Love and Faith