Thames Ditton, St Nicholas

Address: Summer Road, Thames Ditton.

Map Ref: TQ161673

6 Bells • Tenor 8 cwt.

Sunday Service Ringing: 9.30 - 10.00 am & 6.00 - 6.30 pm

Practice: Monday 7.45 - 9.30 pm

Ground floor ring.

History

The Church is first mentioned around 1120 as belonging to Merton Priory. The bell tower and part of the chancel wall remain from this period. At least six stages of extensions, including a major though sympathetic re-building in Victorian times, result in the building we see today. Of special interest are the font (early Norman) and the Doom painting above the chancel arch. Three bells are mentioned in an inventory in 1552; the ring was increased to six in 1753-4 by Thomas Swaine of Longford. The bells were re-cast in 1962 by Taylor’s and re-hung in a new hardwood frame in 1980.

Transport

By Road: Church is sited to the East of the A309 (Hampton Court Way) and north of the A307 (Portsmouth Road). Access is from the eastern end of Sumner Road to the church car park, or a short walk from the village car park in Ashley Road.

By Bus: Route 514 (Esher to Kingston) or 515 (Guildford to Kingston).

By Rail: Thames Ditton station is on the Hampton Court line from Waterloo. Change at Surbiton for services to Woking, Guildford etc. Trains normally run at half-hourly intervals: .09 & .39 from Hampton Court, .25 &.55 from Waterloo, .22 & .52 from Surbiton.

Facilities

Toilets are available in the church.

Local pubs (Swan Inn, Crown, Red Lion, George and Dragon) all serve food. There is an indian restaurant in the High Street, but no other restaurants in the village, but plenty of choice in Molesey or Surbiton.