The Archives of St Nicholas Church
The history and development of Chiswick are illustrated in the unique collection of archives held in the church which are of significance for future historians. The skills of qualified conservationists have restored the important and fragile books of vestry minutes from 1622 which record events in the life of the church and Chiswick; also held are Churchwardens’ Rates and Accounts from 1622 which list local ratepayers, the money they paid to support the parish and who and what it was spent on.
Complete registers of baptisms, marriages and burials from 1678 indexed by surname up to 1900 are also held.
Similar records are held for St Mary Magdalene, Bennett Street, a daughter church of St Nicholas, whose records started in 1860.
In 2007 a grant amounting to £8181 was received from the National Manuscripts Conservation Trust for restoration of 17 of the ancient books dating from 1622 which are cared for in the church. The registers are complete until the present day.
The early Vestry minutes and accounts describe the history of Chiswick from a small fishing village to a thriving community of large houses. There are 30 listed graves including artists William Hogarth, J.M.Whistler, actor David Garrick , Frederick Hitch, VC in the Zulu war and many more with the burials of generations of Chiswick citizens.
The books had become fragile and damaged by past handling and by damp when the collection was stored in the church tower. The work has now been completed having been carried out over a three year period.
The Archive Group is involved every week in answering enquiries from the descendants of past parishioners who visit and write from all over the world, somevia the parish web site. Graves are found, photographs and maps are sent by email and family trees researched.
Humidity and temperature of the ancient books, which are stored in archival boxes, are checked and recorded every week. The Archive Group also raises funds to cover the care of the books the church is uniquely privileged to keep by requesting donations from satisfied enquirers.
Enquiries may be sent by e-mail by clicking this link; or by post to the Archivists, c/o St Nicholas Parish Office, The Vicarage, Church Street, Chiswick W4 2PJ.