Parish of St Nicholas, Plumstead , Church of England

The church of Saint Nicholas is the ancient parish church of Plumstead, first constructed in the 12th century. By 1622 the original building was virtually a ruin and was rebuilt. By 1800 the church was again in a ruined state, with trees growing in the aisles. Restorations and enlargements took place in 1867 and 1907. Further damage occurred during the Second World War and repairs were needed in 1959.

Until the mid-19th century Saint Nicholas was the parish church of Plumstead. On 25 April 1859 the newly built Saint Margaret's (P97/MGT) was consecrated, and from May 1859 to November 1860, baptisms and marriages appear to have taken place in both churches. In 1864 Saint Nicholas became a District Church, and Saint Margaret the parish church of Plumstead. The records of Saint Nicholas were transferred to Saint Margaret's c. 1859-60, as from 'old' to 'new' parishes elsewhere. The vicar of Saint Margaret Plumstead, though having no burial ground at Saint Margaret's, became responsible for the churchyard by Saint Nicholas, and the burial registers of this ground were kept by him. Though some of the entries c. 1897- 1928 relate to burial in family graves at Saint Nicholas, it is not certain that all relate to burials there they may possible refer to other Plumstead cemeteries. Some may perhaps record funeral services held at Saint Margaret's. It is advisable, therefore, to consult the records of Saint Nicholas and of Saint Margaret in conjunction.