The parish church of St Nicholas in Kenilworth has uncertain origins though the oldest surviving parts of the church are Norman, the doorway shown below is a good example of the Norman parts of the church though this may have been moved from the abbey which the church was adjacent to. The former abbey was dedicated to St Mary, Kenilworth castle is also nearby. The earliest mention of the church was from 1285. It is likely that the church was built earlier in the 13th century.
The church was widened in the 14th century with a south aisle added to the nave, the spire on the west tower and an octagonal belfry were also added to the church during this period. Much of the church is in the Decorated Gothic style. Later on, the chancel was extended with a two bay aisle added to the south. The spire was rebuilt after storm damage in the 19th century.
The church had a number of royal visits after the Reformation and the closure of the abbey. Queen Elizabeth and King James I are both known to have visited the church.
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