St Nicholas Church, Lowestoft

St Nicholas Church was built by Baines and Baines of London , the same architects who built Our Lady Star of the Sea, Lowestoft at the same time using the same materials! In May 1902 the foundation stone was laid here for the South Cliff Congregational Church which opened in 1903. The building consists of an Early English Style Nave in Red Brick with white bandings, with large perpendicular Art Nouveau stained glass windows. An octagonal turret, a tapering tower and a spirelet can be seen outside.

A memorial plaque to Claud Charles Castleton who won Lowestoft’s only VC in World War 1 was erected by his parents Thomas and Edith Castleton . He emigrated to Australia and fought as an Australian .He was killed in the Battle of the Somme on 29th July 1916. The citation by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission reads:”For most conspicuous bravery. During an attack on the enemy’s trenches the infantry was temporarily driven back by the intense gun fire opened by the enemy. Many wounded were left in “No Man’s Land “ lying in shell holes .SerjtCastleton went out twice in face of this intense fire and each time brought back a wounded man on his back. He went out a third time and was bringing in another wounded man when he was himself hit in the back and killed instantly”. Simon Knott 2009
The beautiful windows depict the Rose de Sharon and Tulips. An Icon of the Virgin and child Jesus was commissioned from Walsingham. A white embroidered tablecloth with names 1903 is in the Hall.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 14 September:

1000-1600

Location & directions

St Nicholas RC Church, Morton Road, Pakefield, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0JQ

Directions:

It is opposite CEFAS and near Kensington Gardens.

Contact on day:

Mary Hunt

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Wheelchair access is via The Hall

Additional information

There will be information boards about Claud Castleton VC and the Art Nouveau Stained glass windows. Colouring sheets for Children . NSPCC is 140 years old

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