Join us for a delightful afternoon to explore “A Tudor Christmas with the Lady Katherine and her serving man”
Appearing in full period costume as Katherine Raleigh, mother to Sir Walter Raleigh, speaker and award-winning author Rosemary Griggs brings the festivities, feasting and fun of a Tudor Christmas to life in a lively presentation interspersed with songs from the peasant David. Travel back in time as a guest invited to join Sir Philip Champernowne’s Christmas feast at the Court House Modbury and discover the etiquette, the menu and the customs of the twelve days of a sixteenth century Christmas.
Author and Speaker, Rosemary Griggs has been researching Devon’s history for yearsand has discovered a cast of fascinating characters and an intriguing network of families whose influence stretched far beyond the west country. She loves telling the stories of the forgotten women of history – the wives, sisters, daughters, and mothers who stood behind more famous men. Find out more about Rosemary and her work here
David Griggs has been involved in the world of English Folk Song all his life and was a member of well known Exeter based Folk Group Isca Fayre in the 1970s.
Rosemary’s novel, A Woman of Noble Wit is set against the turbulent background of a Devon rocked by the religious and social changes that shaped Tudor England; a Devon of privateers and pirates; a Devon riven by rebellions and plots; A Woman of Noble Wit tells how Katherine Champernowne became the woman who would inspire her famous sons to follow their dreams. To learn more about this fascinating book, follow the link here
Her next novel, due out in 2023, will follow the life of another woman who spent much of her life in Devon and once again will feature many well known Devon locations.
Rosemary will have her quill pen at the ready to sign copies of her book.
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.
Directions: St Nicholas Priory is in Mint Lane with walking access from Fore Street or Bartholomew Street West.
The nearest car park is Mary Arches Street (5 mins). Parking at Smythen Street and Harlequin Shopping Centre is also available. Exeter Central railway station (10 mins). The bus station is a 15-minute walk away with many buses stopping on the High Street (1o mins).
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]