St. Nicolas Church, Great Coats
St. Nicolas Church, Great Coates Road, Great Coates, Grimsby, Lincolnshire, DN37 9NS
The elegant fifteenth-century tower of the church of St. Nicolas’ Great Coates is one of the most imposing in this part of Lincolnshire. Due to its prominence, the Ordnance Survey used it as one of its triangulation points and inscribed a waymark at its base. Today the tower hosts the vestry, bells, ringing room, organ, clock mechanism and medieval graffiti. Views from the top are stunning.
The oldest part of the church is the Nave with its fine clustered pillars and round Norman arches. It was built in the very latest Norman style and dates from around 1200 A.D. Whereas, the aisles and chancel are mainly fourteenth century. There is a piscina (a stone basin used for washing communion vessels) in the south aisle as well as in the chancel, showing that there was once a second altar and chantry chapel in the south aisle.
The Church has two very lovely old brasses in memory of the Barnardistons. One, on the chancel step, dates from 1420 and portrays Isabella, wife of Roger Barnardiston. St Nicolas appears in the East Window which depicts Our Lord in glory, and His Mother, holding a galleon and anchor in his pastoral staff.
The imposing brass eagle lectern is a memorial to those who died in the First World War and gravestones from both the world wars can be found in the churchyard.
A guided/self-guided tour of the church, tower and graveyard will be available.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 13 September:
- 1000-1600
Location & directions
St. Nicolas Church, Great Coates Road, Great Coates, Grimsby, Lincolnshire, DN37 9NS
- Contact on day:
- Guy Hodgins
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Some areas of the churchyard are not suitable for wheelchairs. Tours of the tower (when available) are restricted to those who are physically fit and will not include access to the roof.
