Medieval Day: Workshop, Music and Storytelling

Workshop, Music and Storytelling

Saturday 4 July 2026, from 2:00pm
St Nicholas Priory, Exeter

Join us for a medieval day in the unique atmosphere of St Nicholas Priory, one of Exeter’s oldest buildings. This special event brings together workshop, music and storytelling in an intimate historic setting.

2:00pm - Hurdy-Gurdy Workshop (90 min): With Steve Tyler and Marco Cannavo: introduction to the instrument and techniques. Bring your instrument or simply come along to observe and listen. Limited hands-on access to instruments (for those without a hurdy-gurdy).

4:30pm (doors 4:00pm) - Beowulf Puppet Show (45 min): Rattlebox Theatre presents an adaptation of the famous Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf. David Oliver performs engaging storytelling with beautifully made puppets, sets, and props, accompanied by evocative live music by Steve Tyler. Families are welcome; suitable for ages 8+.

7:30pm (doors 7:00pm) - Musica Medievalis (2x45 min): Marco Cannavo and Steve Tyler present a medieval music show featuring hurdy-gurdy, gothic harp, lute, and other beautiful medieval instruments. With David Oliver enriching selected pieces through storytelling.

You won't want to miss it! See you there!

Tickets & Pricing:

2:00pm - Hurdy-Gurdy Workshop (90 min): £20

4:30pm - Beowulf Puppet Show (45 min): Adults £10 - Children £8

7:30pm - Musica Medievalis (2x45 min): £15

About St Nicholas Priory, Exeter:

The Eastern end of the refectory wing showing the oriel extension Battle Abbey, near Hastings was endowed with the church of St Olave’s in Exeter and monks were sent to serve the church. In 1087 these monks formed a new monastic community and dedicated their church to St Nicholas. The monks were members of the Benedictine order. It remained a small community. For over 500 years they worshipped, studied, served the poor and offered hospitality.

As was the tradition with medieval monasteries the buildings were laid out around a cloister square, but unusually the church was to the south and the refectory range (21 The Mint) to the north. Beyond were a cemetery, gardens and an orchard, the whole enclosed by a stone boundary wall. The maintenance of the Priory relied on its various endowments of properties which made up its estate mainly in and around Exeter.

Following the Dissolution in 1536, the monks were pensioned off. The church, adjoining Chapter House, dormitory and cloisters were pulled down, but leaving the outline of the cloisters. The Northern and Western ranges survived and were sold off by the Crown, passing through several hands until 1562, when the estate passed into the ownership of one, Robert Mallet, a wealthy Somerset gentleman, whose family retained much of the site for the next 200 years, leasing it out.

This special event is not to be missed. Make sure to mark your calendars!