Double Double Toil and Trouble - Herbology Lesson

As part of the South West Shakespeare Festival, Lightbear Lane is delighted to be returning to the medieval kitchen of St Nicholas Priory for our popular Herbology lessons! Children (and their adults) will have the opportunity to look through a 200-year-old herbal, experiment with herbs and learn about natural remedies. In the setting of the medieval kitchen and wearing cloaks throughout the experience, participants will learn how to identify plants and make herbal drawings, understand famous Shakespearean references and discuss how to keep a mandrake from screaming (noisy little thing!). Tea and coffee will be available for accompanying adults and we'll have books and a seasonal display for you to look at while the children are in their lesson. The sessions are led by experienced practitioners Drs Morgane and Spencer, who bring their considerable expertise in art and literature, journalling and working with “nature on our doorstep” to this fun yet educational adventure in connecting with the seasons and the plants we find around us. All references to certain well-known wizarding schools and their famous alumni are entirely intentional. What to expect The workshop is fun and educational, allowing the children to choose from a number of led creative activities in groups or on their own. All materials are provided and the kids will take home their own decorated jars. There will be cloaks the kids can wear during the session and dressing up as witch, mage or wizard is definitely encouraged. After the lesson, there is the option to make a witch/wizard/mage-in-training badge and the opportunity to take photos in the medieval kitchen. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. While the kids are busy in the kitchen, there'll be tea and coffee in the Undercroft and a number of topical books for you to look at. You can also explore the history of the building. The workshop is approx. 60mins with some additional time to make badges and take photos afterwards. Please arrive 15 minutes before the lesson, so we can settle everyone in and start on time. 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 admin@nicholaspriory.com