St Nicholas Priory is hosting an historical re-enactment of the Siege of Exeter, which took place during the 1549 Prayer Book Rebellion, from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 August.
The priory will be transformed into a house under siege, inviting visitors to travel back in time to step into a 16th century merchant family’s life.
Visitors can watch servants prepare food, ladies spinning and performing needlework and hear historical insights into the 16th century rebellion from scholars.
Activities include learning how to put on armour, taking part in medieval pastimes and playing medieval games.
The re-enactment will be performed by Commotion Times, a living history group which portrays English provincial militia and citizens of the mid-16th century, with a particular focus on the Prayer Book Rebellion.
Historical re-enactment at St Nicholas Priory. Photo: St Nicholas Priory.
The Prayer Book Rebellion was a popular revolt which took place in Devon and Cornwall in 1549.
It took place in response to the introduction of the Book of Common Prayer, a key text of the English Reformation.
This unpopular change, along with the introduction of English-speaking church services and poor economic conditions, led to anger across the South West.
Events which unfolded over the summer of 1549, which also took place in Crediton, Fenny Bridges, Woodbury Common and Clyst St Mary, included a five-week siege of Exeter during which the city gates were closed as a 2,000-strong rebel army gathered outside.
As many as 5,500 men were killed, mainly Catholics from Devon and Cornwall, before the rebels were decisively defeated in the Battle of Sampford Courtenay.
St Nicholas Priory. Photo: Hugh Llewelyn under Creative Commons license.
Grade I listed St Nicholas Priory, founded by William the Conqueror in 1087, is Exeter’s oldest building.
It was home to Benedictine monks for several hundred years until the dissolution of the monasteries.
It then became a prominent Elizabethan town house before being subdivided into several smaller houses and business premises.
In 1916 it was restored to become a museum, with Exeter Historic Buildings Trust becoming responsible for its use in 2018.
The Siege of Exeter re-enactment takes place from 11am to 4pm on Friday 7, Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August 2026 at St Nicholas Priory.
The event is free to attend but donations are welcomed.
For more information visit the St Nicholas Priory website.
