St Nicholas, Church Street, W4, is the earliest of the parish churches of Chiswick. Founded some 1,300 years ago, it was rebuilt in the 1880s, but the tower dates from 1425. The purpose of the Friends of St Nicholas Church is the repair and maintenance of the building and churchyard, and its fixtures, fittings, and contents. We raise funds from Friends’ subscriptions, and from events in the church and elsewhere. New members are always welcome. Please click here for how to join.
Recently we have funded new lighting and sound systems, CCTV camera protection, and new notice-boards. We also contributed to the funds needed for the recent refurbishment of the pipe organ, and we have paid for the restoration of several tombs in the churchyard, notably that of William Hogarth. We organise events in the church, normally six each year, to which Friends have free entry. Recently we have had talks on topics of local historical interest: on, for example, William Hogarth and Chiswick, Head Gardeners at Chiswick House, the church’s stained-glass windows, William Kent and Chiswick House Grounds, and Johann Zoffany’s royal patronage.
We also present concerts, some given by local musicians and groups, such as the Petros Singers, Chiswick Baroque, the Chiswick Gospel Choir, and local soprano Charmaine Dooley. Others have recently been given by the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, ’cellist Jamal Aliyev, and pianist Clare Hammond. Finally, we arrange visits to places of interest, such as recently to the Foundling Museum, Transport for London’s Acton depot, Two Temple Place, Lambeth Palace, and the London Library.
To see a series of articles about the church and the graveyard please click here.
