Perivale: St Nicholas
Overview
Grid reference: TQ 173 832
Built in 1963-5 to replace the medieval parish church of St Mary, which was considered unsuitable for modern worship and required constant maintenance. Cruciform in plan, with a stumpy tower over the crossing with pyramid roof. Externally the church can only be viewed from the street front, which is in this case the west end. The gabled ends are blank, giving a rather forbidding impression from ground level. The monotony is relieved by horizontal bands and dressings of yellow reconstructed stone, and the church interior is flooded with light from the glazed side walls and continuously glazed crossing clearstorey.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Cruciform in plan, with a stumpy tower over the crossing with pyramid roof. Small projecting west porch leading to a transeptal vestibule and office block at the west end. Adjoining garage to the south and detached hall to the east of the church.
Dimensions:
Nave 24m (73ft) x 18m (55ft).
Description of Archaeology and History
Built in 1963-5 to replace the medieval parish church of St Mary, which was considered unsuitable for modern worship and required constant maintenance. It was designed by the architect Laurence King, who also renovated St Mary’s.
Exterior Description
The church is a good example of the clear simple lines favoured at this time, centrally planned around the crossing.
Externally the church can only be viewed from the street front, which is in this case the west end. The gabled ends are blank, giving a rather forbidding impression from ground level. The monotony is relieved by horizontal bands and dressings of yellow reconstructed stone, and the church interior is flooded with light from the glazed side walls and continuously glazed crossing clearstorey.
Building Materials
Reinforced Concrete
Walls
Brick
Red brick external cladding
Stone
Yellow stone dressings
Interior
Interior Description
The church is very spacious inside, though it is quite cluttered with furnishings. The focus is the High Altar, situated directly under the crossing and thus lit from all sides by the clearstorey. Above the altar a large rood and corona lucis are suspended. There is a large brick podest behind the altar, on which the organ is located. Choir vestry, sacristy and Lady chapel are located in the east transept behind the podest.
The nave consists of a long broad hall with narrow side passageways defined by concrete piers. There are figures of the Madonna and Child and St Nicholas in the south passage, confirming the High Church atmosphere.
The furnishings and fittings are all original early 1960’s, with a rigid layout of benches facing the High altar. The interior is enlivened by a green and white paint scheme. The nave has a plain woodblock floor, the chancel floor is of reconstructed stone.
Fixtures and fittings
Altar
1963
Plain tables
Reredos
1963
Gilded stylised crown, tall central point with eagle finial. An aumbry is inset within it in the wall behind the altar.
Pulpit
1963
Twin ambos flanking the High altar, very plain.
Lectern
1963
Plain wood.
Font (object)
1963
Concrete bowl font on a pedestal, with a domed brass lid.
Organ (object)
1963
Large three manual pipe organ by Manders. No case, pipes fit within the gable of the east transept.
Rail
1963
Tripartite hinged wooden rail, very plain.
Churchyard
Grid reference: TQ 173 832
Burial and War Grave Information
It is unknown whether the building is consecrated.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has been used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has war graves.
National Heritage record for England designations
There are no records of National Heritage assets within the curtilage of this site.
Environment
Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
There are no records of Ancient, Veteran or Notable Trees within the curtilage of this site.
Renewables
| Renewable | Installed |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | N/A |
| Solar Thermal Panels | N/A |
| Biomass | N/A |
| Wind Turbine | N/A |
| Air Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ev Charging | N/A |
Species summary
There are no records of species within the curtilage of this site.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
'Seek advice' Species
More information on species and action to be taken upon discovery.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
Further information
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