Church Open Day, Withernsea

Church of St Nicholas, Withernsea, East Yorkshire

Discover the fascinating history of this church on it's first open day since restoration.

Withernsea’s early medieval church (St Mary’s) was destroyed by the sea in the C15. In 1446, permission was obtained to build a new church further inland. It was dedicated to St Nicholas, the patron saint of seafarers, and was consecrated in 1488.

By 1609, the already neglected St Nicholas was unroofed in a violent storm and subsequently abandoned as a ruin.

On the opening of the railway, the directors of the Hull and Holderness Railway Company sought plans and estimates for the restoration of St Nicholas church.

In 1858-9 the remaining shell was skilfully restored by Cuthbert Brodrick who retained enduring features of the original building.

The church was last used for worship in 2013 and it was officially closed in 2014.

St Nicholas is now cared for by the CCT and this is the first chance to look around since restoration works were completed.

Come along and chat to the knowlegeable community about the history of the church and discover how we care for this wonderful building.

It will be lovely to see you all.