ON OUR RADAR

From Townhouse to Tenements

An evening talk and tour with performances explores the 19th century history of Exeter’s oldest building.

Leigh Curtis

St Nicholas Priory is hosting an event on Friday 13 January to raise funds for Exeter Historic Buildings Trust, the charity that takes care of the priory on behalf of the city.

The evening event involves a talk, tour and performances exploring the how the priory buildings became tenements housing families, schools, nuns and a children’s nursery during the 1800s.

Refreshments including wine and morsels from the period will be provided.

St Nicholas Priory St Nicholas Priory. Photo: Hugh Llewelyn under Creative Commons license.

Grade I listed St Nicholas Priory was founded in 1087 by William of Normandy.

Following the dissolution of the monasteries its remaining buildings became a prominent Elizabethan town house.

It was subsequently subdivided into several smaller houses and business premises before being restored and becoming a museum in 1916.

Subscribe to The Exeter Digest - Exeter Observer's essential free email newsletter

Your personal information will be processed and stored in accordance with our Privacy Policy

From Townhouse to Tenements is at 6.30-8.30pm on Friday 13 January 2023 at St Nicholas Priory in Mint Lane. Tickets cost £15.

Visit the priory website for more information and to book tickets.

Democracy doesn't work when people don't know who is deciding what on whose behalf and what the costs and consequences of those decisions will be.

Exeter Observer is proving that reader-funded media can deliver the independent public interest journalism our local democracy needs.

Upgrade to a paid Exeter Observer subscription to support our work and get access to exclusive premium content and more.

More stories
Northbrook Swimming Pool campaign demonstration Exeter Guildhall 13 May 2025

Campaigners compel Exeter City Council to reconsider Northbrook pool closure with 2,250-strong resident petition

Pressure on council intensifies after freedom of information request responses confirm £3.5 million budget cuts included potentially unlawful decision to close swimming pool without public consultation or impact assessment.

Wild camping on Dartmoor

Supreme Court rejects Dartmoor landowners’ attempt to prevent wild camping on their land

Judges unanimously dismiss appeal by Alexander and Diana Darwall against 2023 ruling upholding Dartmoor Commons Act as campaigners call for enhanced public rights to access nature pledged by Labour when still in opposition.

Child on park bench

Ofsted finds Devon County Council children’s services remain “inadequate” with rating unchanged since 2020

Inspection report highlights “serious weaknesses” that are “leaving children at risk of harm” as failings echo poor Special Educational Needs & Disabilities provision.

Mid Devon District Council headquarters at Phoenix House in Tiverton

Mid Devon District Council mischarged 2,865 social housing tenants £15.5 million in rent over twenty years

Housing regulator identifies “serious failings” in application of rent standard as council discovers dozens of evictions in which “rent arrears were the sole, or contributory factor”.

Dartmoor wildfire on 5 May 2025, photo by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

Dartmoor National Park warns of continued high fire risk after wildfire destroys 1,230 acres of moorland

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service took nearly 24 hours to extinguish bank holiday weekend blaze that followed warning of uncontrolled moorland fire risk.

Former Firezza in Sidwell Street to become adult gaming centre

24 hour year-round Sidwell Street “adult gaming centre” allowed at appeal

Planning inspector finds no evidence that “increase in crime and disorder” or “serious detrimental impacts on the health of local residents” would result from change of use from restaurant and takeaway unit.