St. Peter's Church, Nottingham

Saint Peter’s Church, officially The Church of Saint Peter with Saint James, is a Grade I listed Anglican parish church located in the heart of Nottingham city center. It is one of the city’s three medieval parish churches-alongside Saint Mary’s and Saint Nicholas'-and is considered the oldest building in continuous public use in Nottingham.

The church stands on a site first occupied around 1100, though the original structure was destroyed by fire. The present building began construction around 1180 and reveals a rich architectural timeline spanning centuries. In 1933, Saint Peter’s parish absorbed that of Saint James’ Church, Standard Hill (founded in 1807), and the new combined parish was formally renamed Saint Peter with Saint James. While Saint James’s Church was later demolished, some of its monuments now reside within Saint Peter’s.

Nestled just steps from the Old Market Square and surrounded by the city’s commercial bustle, Saint Peter’s is a peaceful refuge. Visitors are drawn not only by its historical and architectural features-such as the beautifully carved medieval rood screen, a striking modern reredos, and the poignant Workers' Memorial Window-but also by its vibrant role in community life.

The church has a proud and long-standing musical heritage. With a distinguished choir, regular Sunday services, and a popular Saturday morning concert series, Saint Peter’s continues to play a key cultural role. Its organ, originally installed in 1812, has been expanded and restored over time, incorporating parts from other historic instruments.

The church grounds include a welcoming churchyard and the Saint Peter’s Centre, home to a café and a shop offering fair-trade goods and books. Committed to serving all city residents-particularly the disadvantaged-Saint Peter’s is a living example of faith, heritage, and hospitality.