| Church of St Nicholas | |
| Website: | stnicholasbathampton.org |
| Coordinates: | 51.3975°N -2.3217°W |
| Location: | Bathampton, Somerset. |
| Designation1: | Grade II* listed building |
| Designation1 Date: | 1 February 1956 |
| Designation1 Number: | 1320551 |
The Church of St Nicholas is an Anglican parish church in Bathampton, Somerset, standing between the River Avon and the Kennet and Avon Canal. Built in the 13th century, with a 15th-century tower and 18th and 19th century restorations, it has been designated as a Grade II* listed building. The church is particularly noted for its Australia Chapel, which commemorates Admiral Arthur Phillip, the first Governor of New South Wales, who was buried there in 1814, while the churchyard contains several other significant tombs.
The parish is part of the benefice of Bathampton with Claverton.[1]
The church has its origins in the 13th century, and was run by Bath Abbey until the Reformation.[2] During the 15th century it was altered with a chapel being added in 1500 and tower added in 1532.[3] [4] This three stage tower contains six bells, two of which date from the 1540s.[5] [6]
In the mid 18th century Ralph Allen added Gothic components after he acquired Bathampton Manor in 1731.[7] These features were mostly replaced by the rebuilding of the north aisle in 1858 by Henry Goodridge and the restoration of the chancel in 1882 by Charles Edward Davis.
On either side of the main door are brass plaques which serve as War Memorials to those from the village who died in World War I and World War II.[8] [9] Next to the porch is a medieval bowl which was used as the font.
The "Australia Chapel" in the south aisle was originally that of Allen family, who were Lords of the Manor until 1921. It was renamed the "Australia Chapel" after Admiral Arthur Phillip, the first Governor of New South Wales.[10] [11] His grave was rediscovered in 1897 and the Premier of New South Wales, Sir Henry Parkes, had it restored, although G.R. Robertson KC has since alleged that Phillip's remains may no longer be there.[12] In 1974, the chapel was renovated with a floor of Australian Wombeyan Marble, a memorial screen made of Australian Blackbean wood, kneelers from Tasmania and stained glass of the coats of arms of the Federal Government and all six states in the windows.[13] There is a special service near 11 October, the date of Arthur Phillip’s birth, each year to commemorate his life, in which the Australian High Commissioner lays a wreath on his grave.
Buried in the churchyard is the body of Adolphe, Viscount du Barry, a French aristocrat and close friend of Madame du Barry, Louis XV's mistress. The Vicomte was living in Bath when he was killed in a duel with Captain Rice, an Irish adventurer.[14]
Other notable local figures, such as William Harbutt, Kenneth Murchison and Walter Sickert, are also buried in the churchyard, with many of the other chest tombs designated as listed buildings.
The church is open for public services every Sunday at 10:45am, with groups for children and youth, and Zoom provision. The church is active in the local community with the Bridge, a Thursday morning group for young and old to mix, and mid-week home-groups to study the Bible.