Newbury - Church of St Nicolas

Pride of place must surely go to the parish church of St Nicolas, a monument to the past wealth of Newbury and is, as all mother churches should be, in the very heart of the town centre.

Built between 1500 and 1532 partly at the expense of John Winchcombe (Jack of Newbury) and was the work of one generation. Wholly perpendicular in style the church is embattled throughout its length as a result of Victorian alterations and has a west tower with huge buttresses and tall pinnacles.

The interior is spacious the Perpendicular oak roof of the nave features the initials of John Winchcombe whilst the chancel roof dates from 1858. Features of interest include the splendid pulpit of 1607 and many memorial tablets and brasses including those of John Winchcombe and his wife. The stained glass is modern but forms a splendid entity with lights showing the Miracles, the Parables of the gospels and Old Testament prophets.

Often called the `Cathedral of South Berkshire', the church forms a fine setting for some of the musical events of the town's Spring Festival. Gothic archways lead into the churchyard of the splendid Perpendicular, battlemented church.

The tower pinnacles have battlements