St Nicholas’ is both the original parish church of Brighton and the oldest surviving building in Brighton. The Domesday Book of 1086 records the presence of a church; however, the church in its current form dates to the 1300s with significant changes made in 1853.  Robert Bushby of Littlehampton contracted to demolish the church and to build the shell for £2985. The nave arcades, the chancel arch, rood screen and parts of the chancel walls were retained. During the work the tower was found to be cracked and was substantially rebuilt. The aisles were widened to 15ft (4.5 m) and the north aisle was extended to flank the tower, with a connecting doorway being cut. The work to the tower was most extensive on the west side where it had been partially undermined by the excavation of a vault that extended into the nave.

Continue into the church-yard, bearing right follow the footpath around to the exit and turn right into Church Street. Continue down the hill to Queens Road, cross over and enter Brighthelm Gardens to your left. Cut through the gardens and exit right into North Road. Go down North Road and turn left into Upper Gardner Street.