It is typified by the simplicity of its vaults and tracery, the use of lancet windows and smaller amounts of sculptural decoration than either Romanesque or later varieties of Gothic church building.

St. Nicolas’ size and relative grandeur reflect the importance of Pevensey as a major seaport at the time of its construction.

Also, in the south aisle there are twin windows of Early English style, set in deep mouldings.

This feature is often seen in medieval churches, and is said to symbolize the angle of Christ’s head upon the cross, but also to give an illusion of increased building length.

The oak ‘waggon’ roof of the Nave (being a Cradle-roof constructed of a closely spaced series of double arch-braced trusses, suggesting the shape of a covered wagon), was a necessary part of the 19th-century restoration but the main beams and king posts are probably original and still sound.

For a considerable time previously, the Nave had a false ceiling, above which air circulation was so poor that much of the roof timber had rotted and decayed.

The Norman font is made from stone from Caen, William the Conqueror’s home town, in Normandy.

On the floor in the South Aisle is an ancient and heavy stone grave cover, thought to be 13th century, with the outline of a darker cross.

The Church porch on the north side, shelters the main door which is double and studded with brass furniture.

In the stone surrounds on the east side of the door are three etched Votive or Crusaders’ Crosses, from probably the 13th century.

This was at a time when many pilgrims and crusaders would have set off for the European continent and far off destinations from Pevensey, and who duly marked their safe return in this way.

The Sanctuary and Chancel were used as a space for general storage, which included crops from the surrounding countryside, and the products of smuggling as well as being a stable for cattle and sheep which grazed the church yard.

From the late 19th century onwards, several ‘restoration projects’ were undertaken, most notably by George Gilbert Scott, Jr., an eminent ecclesiastical architect of London from 1875, whose father George Gilbert Scott was a pioneering English Gothic revival architect, chiefly associated with the design, building and renovation of churches and cathedrals.

Scott Jr. oversaw extensive restorations at St. Nicolas, and the building of the vestry on foundations of a former chantry, and the Chancel floor was raised in steps towards the High Altar.

The bell chamber within the tower is accessed by a cast iron Victorian spiral staircase St Nicolas' Church was designated a Grade I Listed building on 30 August 1966.