ST. NICHOLAS PRIORY

St. Nicholas Priory, Exeter’s oldest surviving medieval monastery, traces its origins to the late 11th century. In 1068, William the Conqueror granted the church of St. Olave to Battle Abbey, laying the groundwork for the establishment of a Benedictine monastery. By 1087, construction had begun on the new priory, dedicated to St. Nicholas, with monks arriving from Battle Abbey to oversee its growth.

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The priory flourished for centuries, sustained by generous land donations and the monks' commitment to worship, study, hospitality, and charity. As a Benedictine house, its daily life revolved around prayer and service, providing shelter for pilgrims and aid to the poor. Over time, the priory expanded its holdings and influence, becoming a significant religious institution in medieval Exeter.

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However, the 16th century marked a turning point. In 1536, during Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries, St. Nicholas Priory was closed, its monks pensioned off, and much of its church and cloisters dismantled. Some of the building materials were repurposed, including stones used in the construction of Exe Bridge. The remaining structures passed into private hands, eventually transforming into an Elizabethan townhouse.

By the 17th century, the priory’s religious origins gave way to secular use, with the site converted into a mansion and later subdivided into multiple dwellings.

In 1775, it regained its religious function, serving as a Catholic mission where Mass was celebrated in an upper chamber, and a chapel was added. The priory continued in religious use until the 20th century before becoming a museum, preserving its rich historical legacy.

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Today, St. Nicholas Priory stands as an enduring testament to Exeter’s medieval past, offering visitors a glimpse into monastic life, Tudor domesticity, and centuries of architectural transformation.

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St. Nicholas Priory is not only rich in history but also steeped in ghostly lore. Visitors and staff have reported eerie occurrences, from unexplained footsteps echoing through empty rooms to shadowy figures glimpsed in the dimly lit corridors. Some believe the spirits of monks still linger, their presence felt in sudden chills and whispers that vanish into silence.

Others speak of a mysterious woman in Tudor attire, seen standing motionless before disappearing without a trace. Whether the hauntings stem from its monastic past or the centuries of lives that passed through its walls, St. Nicholas Priory remains one of Exeter’s most atmospheric and enigmatic historic sites.