Exeter — St Nicholas Priory

St Nicholas Priory was a Benedictine monastery established in Exeter, England, in 1087. Its foundation followed William the Conqueror's siege of Exeter in 1068, during which he granted the church of St Olave to Battle Abbey. Monks from Battle Abbey were sent to administer this church and its possessions, leading to the construction of the new monastery dedicated to Saint Nicholas.

History and Development

Throughout the 12th and 13th centuries, the Priory expanded its landholdings and erected new monastic buildings as funds allowed, incorporating hospitality as a key element of its rule. The Priory played an active role in the city's life until 1536, when King Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries led to the monks being pensioned off and the church and cloisters demolished. Some of the stone from the priory was used for the repair of the nearby Exe Bridge.

The remaining domestic buildings and precinct were sold by the Crown and, between 1575 and 1602, were transformed into an impressive Elizabethan townhouse. Subsequently, the building underwent further subdivision into houses and businesses over the centuries. In 1913, Exeter Corporation acquired the Priory with the intention of restoring its original monastic architecture. It was subsequently opened to the public as a small museum in 1916.

Modern Use and Accessibility

From 1916 until structural issues led to its closure in 2015, the priory served as a museum, furnished to reflect its time as the home of the wealthy Hurst family in 1602. This display featured replica furniture and vibrant colors characteristic of the Elizabethan period, offering an insight into Tudor life through Exeter's artifact collection. After undergoing repairs and reinterpretation in 2007, and further maintenance in 2009, the priory reopened in 2018 under the management of the Exeter Historic Buildings Trust. It now operates as an events and private hire venue and is open for public exploration every Sunday from February to November, between 13:00 and 16:00.

St Nicholas Priory is designated as a Grade I listed building by Historic England, acknowledging its significant architectural and historical importance.