Our History: Spiritualism in Nottingham
Welcome to the historical journey of the Nottingham Spiritualist Church. Our community stands on a proud legacy of progressive thinking, spiritual discovery, and a dedication to proving the survival of the human soul. The roots of our movement run deep through Nottingham's history, spanning more than 150 years.
1866: A National Milestone in Nottingham
While informal home circles and private séances were happening across the East Midlands in the mid-19th century, Nottingham became a true pioneer for the Spiritualist movement across Britain in 1866.
Inspired by the visionary writings of the American trance medium Andrew Jackson Davis — who observed how spirits were lovingly educated on the higher planes — a local pioneer named Mr. J. Hitchcock established the very first Spiritualist Lyceum in Britain right here in Nottingham on November 5, 1866.
The Lyceum movement acted as the foundational Sunday school and philosophical training ground for the religion. Its launch marked the formal transition of Spiritualism from secretive, private gatherings into an organised, public community focused on progressive social reform, education, and equality.
One Movement, Two Sister Churches
As Spiritualism exploded in popularity across the UK during the late Victorian era and into the 20th century, Nottingham's community grew too large for just a single gathering place. This led to the development of two distinct sister churches within the city, both proudly aligned with the Spiritualists' National Union (SNU).
- Nottingham Spiritualist Church (Sherwood)
For decades, the focal point of the movement downtown was based out of the historic premises on Sherwood Street North. This building became an iconic, bustling hub for local mediums, healing circles, and Sunday services through both World Wars. Eventually, as the city layout changed, this vibrant congregation relocated to its current permanent sanctuary on Hall Street in Sherwood.
The blue entrance to Nottingham Spiritualist Church & First Lyceum on Hall Street, Sherwood — our home today. - Nottingham First Spiritualist Church
To accommodate the growing number of believers across different parts of the city, this sister congregation was established as a separate, vital branch of Nottingham's spiritual family. Today, they continue to keep the philosophy alive by holding their services and community events at the Rise Park Community Centre.
Rise Park Community Centre — where Nottingham First Spiritualist Church holds its services today.
Together, these two churches represent parallel branches of the same historic tree, ensuring that spiritual healing and mediumship remain accessible to communities across the entire Nottingham area.
2015 and Beyond: Modernising Our Legacy
In the mid-2010s, both sister churches solidified their futures for generations to come by formally registering as independent charities with the UK Charity Commission — with the Hall Street church registering on January 28, 2015 (Charity No. 1160204).
Today, our church is sustained entirely by a dedicated circle of leadership and trustees who volunteer their time, energy, and spiritual devotion to keep our doors open.
Among these modern guardians of our history are long-serving trustees and church figures like Simon Harris (appointed in 2019), Autumn Harris, and Chair Frances Mary Latham. Their ongoing leadership ensures that the same philosophy of open inquiry, comfort, and love first sparked by Mr. Hitchcock in 1866 continues to thrive in Nottingham today.
