EVENT  ⁄  COMMUNITY & SOCIETY

From Townhouse to Tenements

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

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.

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.

 is membership co-ordinator and community & culture editor of Exeter Observer and a director of its publisher Exeter Observer Limited.

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