Exploring the Virtues of Herbs with the Herbe Wives

Up to the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII, the skills of herbal usage were often the province of the religious houses. 

Our Herbal Wives ancestors might have worked as lay-persons  - perhaps in the instances of Mistresses Elinor and  Christina - at  the 12th century Polsloe Priory also known as St Katherine’s Priory in Pinhoe Exeter, their knowledge and expertise being passed through the generations.

Using a variety of plants from their own physic garden in the wild places of the former Polsloe Priory, the hedgebanks and verges of the country lanes, Mistresses Elinor and Christina will demonstrate the preparation of infusions, tisanes, poultices and healing salves.

Traditional herbal remedies were created for domestic use (as insect repellent, air fresheners, pot scourers etc.), for adornment and decoration, culinary and medicinal purposes. The Tudor Herbal Wives performance also touches on the preservation and storage of herbal materials for the winter months.

This event will run from Friday Saturday 21st July 2018 from 10.30am - 2pm, Entrance free. Some disabled access to the ground floor and toilets

St. Nicholas Priory is open to the public every Sunday, 1pm – 4pm Entrance free and guided tours can be booked during the week for groups.