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St Nicolas Church in Witham is opening up for Heritage Open Days with Guided tours of the church interior; a new display about William Van Mildert - former curate and founder of Durham University - and a recital of French songs by soprano Hazel Morgan.
Refreshments and toilets are available.

St Nicolas Church dominates Chipping Hill, the ancient heart of Witham. It is the oldest building in the town, and the most significant heritage asset in the Chipping Hill Conservation Area.

From 1790-95, William van Mildert was curate at St Nicolas. As his career progressed, he became Professor of Divinity at Oxford, Bishop of Llandaff and ultimately Bishop of Durham from 1826-36. While Bishop of Durham, he played a leading role in the establishment of Durham University, the third oldest registered university in England. As a wealthy man he gifted Durham Castle to the University- it became University College. Van Mildert College was opened as part of the university in 1965.

Guided tours of St Nicolas Church interior, include the Lady Chapel, vestries, monuments, and tombs. The Grade 1 listed building was built largely as a single entity and merits over a page in Pevsner's 'Buildings of England.'

Visitors may join a tour at any point.

French vocal music will be performed by soprano Hazel Morgan accompanied by Christopher Roberts.

Sung Evensong from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, will include a robed choir and organ voluntary.