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God’s Acre – From Utility to Paradise

God’s Acre – From Utility to Paradise

God’s Acre – From Utility to Paradise – A talk by Lynda Pidgeon

Today gardens are seen as somewhere to relax and to socialise in, a place to grow flowers and perhaps some vegetables. However, in the Middle Ages gardening was more closely related to agriculture. Gardens were a necessity for many, an essential part of survival producing both food and medicine. Over time, the garden would also become a status symbol, only the rich could afford to put aside a piece of valuable land just for display and enjoyment, rather than pure utility.

This talk will look at a variety of gardens and their uses from those of the monks in the early middle ages to the Paradise gardens of the wealthy in the later medieval period.

Doors at 6pm for 6:30pm start

Refreshments included. 

Directions
St Nicholas Priory is on Mint Lane with walking access from Fore Street or Bartholomew Street West.

The nearest car park is Mary Arches Street, which is a five-minute walk. Exeter Central railway station is a ten-minute walk. The bus station is a 15-minute walk with many buses stopping on the High Street which is ten minutes away.

Access
Unfortunately, due to the nature of this historic building, there is no wheelchair access for our upstairs rooms.

Facilities
Our outdoor toilet block can be made available on request.

If you have any questions or concerns about your visit please email [email protected]

Date & Time

12/06/2026    
18:00 - 20:30

Book Tickets

Labels

Where

St Nicholas Priory
Mint Lane, Off Fore Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3BL

Find directions to St Nicholas Priory on our visit us page.

St Nicholas Priory: Founded by William the Conqueror in 1087, St Nicholas Priory was home to Benedictine monks for over 400 years and is the oldest building in Exeter. In 1536, like other monasteries, it was closed and the remains became the home of wealthy Tudor merchants.

Access: Unfortunately, only the ground floor of our building is wheelchair-accessible.

Facilities: Accessible loos and nappy-changing facilities.

If you have any questions or concerns about your visit, please email [email protected].

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