The church, on the site of a major Roman settlement, Ratae Coritanorium, is the oldest in the city. The so-called Jewry Wall (ca. AD 150), adjacent to the church, was part of the Roman public baths, separating the exercise hall (where the church is now) from the rest of the baths. The church has some Saxon elements from around 900. The Nicholas dedication dates from about 1200 when this became the main commercial district. Threatened with destruction in the early 19th century, the church was strengthened, restored and expanded.
