Chapel Of St Nicholas

The Chapel of St Nicholas is a free chapel constructed between approximately 1474 and 1480 as a private chapel for Sir James Tyrell of Gipping Hall. Since 1743, it has functioned as a free chapel managed by trustees. The building comprises a nave, chancel, and a north vestry added shortly afterward, with a west tower built in the late 16th century. The walls are constructed using a chequered pattern of squared limestone rubble and knapped flint, with many flint panels featuring brown septaria. The dressings are of freestone, and the roofs are covered in plain tiles. Windows are 4-centred arched with transoms and traceried heads. The south doorway features carved floral spandrels above the arch, and the two windows above have linking flushwork patterning. There are 18th-century panelled doors. The buttresses also include flushwork panels and several carved designs in freestone. The north vestry is similarly detailed, with a chimney designed to resemble a splayed oriel window, featuring false mullions, tracery, and carved heraldic shields at the head. A private external doorway to the vestry has an inscription carved into the chamfered arched head, reading "PRAY FOR SIR JAMYS TIRELL DAME ANNE HIS WYE." The north doorway retains its original battened plank door. The tower appears to be constructed of plastered brick, with plastered mullioned windows, a doorway, and parapets. The interior features a flat ceiling with cambered tiebeams, arch braces rising from shafted wallposts, a moulded cornice, and exposed purlins. The pitched roof above is thought to be a later alteration. A rood loft stairway is located to the south of the plain chancel arch. A 15th-century font has a circular bowl and an octagonal stem. There are original pews, in sets of four and five, with some carved detail. The interior was remodelled in the mid-18th century, including the addition of panelled box pews, a polygonal pulpit, altar rails, and several doors. A painted trompe d'oeil surround to the east window depicts draped columns and swags. There is original stained glass within the east window, which is described as fine but jumbled. A hatchment is located at the west end.