Unlike many churches in greater London, St Nicholas has kept the feel of a village church — as inviting as the welcome you will receive.
St Nicholas was originally built in the tenth century on a spur of chalky ground rising from the clayey marshes of the Thames. Grade II* listed, it has stood at the centre of the parish of Plumstead for a thousand years, and it is likely the church has foundations or parts dating to the earliest mention of Plumstead in 960.
The current building dates from the twelfth century, with the south aisle the oldest remains above ground. It carries elements from every century thereafter. The fifteenth-century north aisle is now the nave, rebuilt in 1818.
Most visible of all is the west tower, built in 1664 — the distinctive brick landmark by which the church is known.
A major restoration of 1867–8 was carried out by CH Cooke. Extensive enlargements followed in 1907–8 by Greenaway & Newberry, as the railway brought expansion to the nearby Woolwich Arsenal and surrounding areas.
The church suffered severe damage near the end of the Second World War and was repaired in 1959 by T.F. Ford & Partners. From that post-war restoration date the high altar, altar and its carved canopy (a baldacchino), font and clergy & choir stalls by Stephen Dykes Bower, a painted panel behind the altar (a reredos) by Donald Towner, and a window by Martin Travers.
Situated directly between the two Elizabeth line stations of Woolwich and Abbey Wood — do come and see us when you are exploring the area.