St Nicholas Priory
About This Museum
Tucked away on The Mint in Exeter, St Nicholas Priory is a real Russian doll of a building. It began life as part of a bustling Benedictine priory before being transformed into the lavish home of a wealthy Tudor merchant. Stepping inside feels less like visiting a museum and more like walking into a time capsule from the 16th century. You can almost smell the woodsmoke and hear the whispers of its former inhabitants.
Collection Highlights
The star of the show is the stunningly reconstructed Great Kitchen, complete with an enormous fireplace and authentic replica furnishings. Don't miss the beautifully carved Tudor four-poster bed upstairs or the rare Elizabethan painted cloths hanging on the walls.
Visitor Information
It's a small, intimate place, so checking opening times ahead of your visit is a must—it's only open on select days. The knowledgeable volunteers are fantastic; they're full of stories that really bring the history to life.
Architecture & Building
The building is a fascinating medieval stone structure that showcases its monastic origins, later adapted into a fine Elizabethan townhouse with characteristic wood-panelled rooms and ornate plasterwork ceilings.
Contact & Location
Address: The Mint, St Thomas, Exeter, Devon, Devon and Torbay, England, EX4 3BL, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1392 276255
Website: Visit Website
