St. Nicholas is a Grade I listed church that dates back to the 12th Century. It is the only surviving church of three in New Romney. The others were St. Martin and St. Laurence, both of which were demolished in the 16th Century. The nave and clerestory date from the 12th Century and are made from Caen stone which can be found on Canterbury cathedral, the Diocese of which St. Nicholas falls under.
The building was expanded around the 14th Century to include two side chapels and improvements to existing parts.
The church was situated near a harbour but the storm of 1287 changed the course of the River Rother. Boats would have been moored at the end of the churchyard but the area was flooded with sand, silt and shingle. Visible marks can still be detected inside the church on the pillars.
The church contains the tomb of Richard Stuppenye (d.1622) who was the jurat of New Romney. New mayors were elected around his tombstone until the 19th Century.
The church is well looked after and closely associated with the local school which holds the same name. On my November visit the church was preparing for a visit from the bishop for a confirmation.
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