St Nicholas Church is not usually open to the public but CHAS members had the opportunity to visit it, the frater and almshouses, all in an exceptionally beautiful setting .
The eleventh century church (image 1 below), with slightly later additions, is austere and tranquil, perhaps reflecting the long history of worship and the despair of the lepers for whom the church was built. The remains of several wall paintings (images 2 and 3) are a potent reminder of how the church would have appeared to the congregation, promising eternal life and freedom from earthly pain and grief.
The massive bowls (mazers, image 4) on display were used in the frater and we wondered how the food tasted: pottage anyone? Perhaps the most interesting item was what was probably a poor box (image 5). Part of a slim tree trunk, someone had painstakingly ground out the inner wood and made a lid with a downward dome, perfectly ovoid and smooth, then banded it with iron. Imagine the time, the effort, the sheer persistence this little work of art required but here it is, centuries later, as beautiful as when it was made. Other features of interest to CHAS visitors were the font, alms box, and various windows (images 6 to 10). Afterwards Dian (our host) and other residents provided tea and refreshment in the frater (images 11 to 13)
When Henry 11 came to Canterbury for his penance, he visited the church and provided 20 marks for the foundation, still paid annually by Canterbury City Council. Perhaps he also partook of the sacred well waters before he began his long penance into the city. These CHAS pilgrims followed the steps of kings and dukes, lepers and yeomen to this ancient church.
Above summary provided by Mrs Pauline Walters
Readers of this blog may also wish to refer to the more detailed webpage on St Nicholas Hospital, authored by the late David Lewis.
