St Nicholas Priory - a Tudor home

Now furnished as an Elizabethan town house, groups can experience Tudor life right in the heart of Exeter. Adorned with high quality replica furniture and painted in the bright colours of the period, the Priory is presented as the 1602 home of the wealthy Hurst family. The display of Elizabethan items from the city's collection, the addition of modern amenities and new interpretation allow greater access to the Priory and gives a wonderful insight into Tudor life. 

From monastery to museum

St Nicholas Priory was founded in 1087 and was home to Benedictine monks for over 400 years. In 1536, like other monasteries, it was closed and partly demolished by King Henry VIII. The remaining buildings were sold and they became the home of the wealthy Hurst family.

Newly repaired and redisplayed, St Nicholas Priory now includes three rooms recreated as they would have been when William Hurst lived here in 1602. The parlour, kitchen and chamber have beautifully crafted replica furniture, equipment and textiles that can be touched and used.

Many original features have survived including a stunning decorated plaster ceiling, fireplaces, beams, wall paintings and even a Tudor loo. The parlour has newly installed period oak panelling that has been carefully decorated with handmade paints, accurately recreating a rare original pattern from Tudor Exeter.

A small garden area features Tudor plants and herbs and a gift shop has souvenirs to suit all pockets.