Short History of the Church
The Parish Church of St Mary & St Nicolas was built by the Benedictine Priory which existed in Spalding from 1051 until its dissolution in 1540. The foundations of the present building were laid in 1284 by Prior William de Littleport, to replace the earlier parish church which was situated on the Priory boundary, on the site of the present market place.
The building incorporated part of the Chapel of St Thomas the Martyr. The foundations are still visible at the exterior of the present chancel. The building was completed in cruciform shape by Prior Clement Hatfield, prior from 1293 to 1318. It consisted of an aisled nave with six bays, aisled transepts of two bays, a chancel without an aisle and a bell tower.
In 1360, the west aisle of the south transept and the south aisle of the nave were widened, and the outer south aisle added. Also, at this time, the south porch and the tower were built.
More alterations were carried out in the fifteenth century when the rood staircase and screen and the clerestory windows were added.
High box pews with galleries above them and a three-decker pulpit were installed during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. These features were removed during the extensive restoration in 1865-67, under the direction of Sir George Gilbert Scott.
The twentieth-century additions included four modern stained glass windows, the decoration of the chancel ceiling, rebuilding and re-siting the organ, the shop and visitor centre, and a vestry on the south side of the chancel.
The Parish Office
1 Halmer Gate
Spalding
Lincolnshire
PE11 2DR