Funds for roof repairs on Exeter's oldest building

Exeter's oldest building will benefit from £163,000 in funds from the city council to enable extensive roof repairs to be carried out.

St Nicholas Priory, near The Mint in the city centre, dates back to 1087 and is currently used as a community asset hosting events, weddings, open days and educational trips.

The priory, which has architectural features including the Great Hall, traces of original wall paintings and original late 11th Century fabrics, is run by the Exeter Historic Buildings Trust in exchange for a peppercorn rent of a loaf of bread per year.

The aim is for the roof repairs to protect the priory for decades to come.

James Clarke, chair of Exeter Historic Buildings Trust , said the repairs were necessary to prevent further damage to the unique interior.

He reiterated how important the priory was to the people of Exeter describing the buildings as the "centre point" of Exeter's heritage.

Clarke said: "It's a building even older than the visible remains of the cathedral, so if we want to continue to connect with centuries of Exeter history, then the priory remains the focal point."

The city council said: "Budget pressures mean there are limitations to the extent of work commissioned each year."

"The council has a Strategic Asset Management Board and this group of officers assess proposed works including the associated funding requirements and align resources when agreed by council members.

"For historic assets where funding is not currently prioritised, occasionally it is necessary to fence-off parts of those assets to ensure that safety standards are maintained until such time that a permanent solution can be agreed and commissioned."

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