Priory Arts Home2026-06-01T09:52:23+00:00

Vikings at the Priory 

May 27th – June 22nd 2026 at Leominster Priory

Exhibition and Events  Open 10am-4pm 

Priory Arts is pleased to present the Herefordshire Hoard (replica), a nationally significant Saxon/Viking treasure which was found near Leominster. This will form just a part of an innovative exhibition at Leominster Priory which will bring both the Hoard and our local history to life, exploring the Viking history in the area, and examining the differences and influences between Viking and Anglo-Saxon ways of life, and art. Along with ‘hands-on history’ events, talks, walks, plays, concerts, re-enactments and an interactive exhibition (with a replica Viking Ship, shields, clothes and their Anglo Saxon equivalents), we have  developed a schools’ programme involving over 14 schools. 

The exhibition will include work from local artists, students and community groups, many exploring the meaning of ‘treasure’.  A special display about the Hereford Gospels, an 8th century treasure of Hereford Cathedral, includes art by Liz Jones, Peter Furniss and the Marches Scribes, vividly recreating the world of illuminated manuscripts. We’ll be the first in the diocese to host the ‘Hereford Gospels for Today Project’, a book inspired by the original. 

Please note that dogs will not be allowed in the Priory Church during the exhibition

Regia Anglorum Weekend Highlights

Wow – what a great weekend with Regia Anglorum – there were over 2,000 visitors who joined us in the Priory grounds to
celebrate all things Anglo-Saxon and Viking.
 
Regia Anglorum camped in the Priory grounds and gave fabulous displays of life in Anglo-Saxon times and we were privileged
to witness battle re-enactments, Viking burials, a fashion show and a beautiful Anglo-Saxon night prayer and service held in the Priory.
 
Huge thanks to all who took part and enjoyed this wonderful weekend.

The Priory Church continues to be open for services and visits

We are a welcoming and inclusive church in the rural market town of Leominster, in Hereford Diocese.

Whether you would like to come to a church service, are enquiring about a special event, such as a wedding or a christening or are a visitor; click here to visit the Priory Church website.

Leominster Priory is open to visitors daily from 10am-4pm. Please note dogs are not allowed inside the Priory building during the exhibition period with the exception of assistance dogs.

Leominster Priory is part of Leominster Team Ministry which includes 23 churches: The Eastern Parishes of Stoke Prior, Kimbolton, Hamnish, Hatfield, Ford, Hope-under-Dinmore, Pudleston, Bockleton, Middleton-on-the-Hill, Leysters, Humber, and Docklow. The Western Parishes of Dilwyn, Orleton, Brimfield, Eyton, Eye,

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Here are our new Instagram posts and some from the Priory 900 celebrations in 2025

There are some delightful s urprises in the pages of the Hereford Gospels Today on display in the Priory. Explore how ordinary people have illustrated their thoughts about the the Gospels.
The four gospel quilts will look amazing by candlelight tonight: 8.30pm compline service, sung and spoken in Latin and old Anglo-Saxon english. Join us for a spine tingling experience.
Warrior Training this morning at Leominster Priory before this afternoon's battle on The Grange at 3pm. All welcome to join in and learn some fighting techniques by Regia Anglorum who are camped in the Priory.
Today we have a Viking Burial at Leominster Priory Church at 11.30am. Come along and join Regia Anglorum as they re-enact how Vikings were buried in the Dark Age. It's free to watch, just come along and take a pew.
The Viking Raiders are in Town! Make sure that you are in the Priory at 11.30am for a Viking Burial and in the Grange at 3pm for a battle with the Saxons! Looking at these two shields it looks like they have been in battle before and mean business. Let the battle begin! This weekend is going to be awesome in Leominster! Lots going on including two battles on The Grange. Thanks to Regia Anglorum for their involvement and expertise.
It's arrived and installed for the next month! The replica Viking boat, Viking coracle and Viking tent are ready for the opening of Vikings at the Priory. 'Vikings at the Priory' is a month-long celebration of Viking and Anglo-Saxon history, art and culture managed by Priory Arts. The exhibition at Leominster Priory is free to visit as are many of the events that are happening in and around Leominster Priory Church. For more information visit the Priory Arts website, just Google 'Priory Arts Leominster'. Visit Leominster Priory between 26th May to 22nd June between 10am - 4pm but please check the calendar on the Priory Arts website first, as various events will be taking place during this period. #vikings
'Vikings at the Priory' starts on Tuesday with a talk in Leominster Priory at 6pm ‘How to Build a Viking Ship’ with Stephen Etheridge, of re-enactment group 'Regia Anglorum'. 'Vikings at the Priory' is a month-long celebration of Viking and Anglo-Saxon history, art and culture organised by @prioryartsleominster. The exhibition at Leominster Priory is free to visit as are many of the events that are happening in and around the Priory Church. For more information visit the Priory Arts website, just Google 'Priory Arts Leominster'. Visit Leominster Priory between 26th May to 22nd June between 10am-4pm but please check the calendar on the Priory Arts website first, as various events will be taking place during this period. We are pleased to be working with Leominster Priory Church, Regia Anglorum, Herefordshire Museums and Galleries, Leominster Festival, Leominster Roars and Leominster Town Council.
‘How to Build a Viking Ship’ is the first event that is part of our month-long arts exhibition and events based at Leominster Priory Church. This event pre-dates the opening of the exhibition as it's on Tuesday 26th May at 6pm. There's a small charge of £5 for this event, although the festival and many other events are free or ask for donations. Stephen Etheridge, of Regia Anglorum, explains the technology and craftsmanship behind the way that Viking ships changed the history of Europe. This year's theme for the exhibition is centred around 'treasure', celebrating the Herefordshire Viking Hoard that was found near Leominster in 2015 and is now in the trust of Herefordshire Museums & Galleries
We will retell an old wild tale of Hoards, and peform a new drama about the Herefordshire Hoard found near Leominster. ‘Beowulf, and the Dragon’s Hoard’ and ‘The Legend of Our Hoard’ is being held on Sunday 14th June 6pm at Leominster Priory. Performed by Leominster Morris, puppeteer Andrew Purvin of The Fetch Theatre, and the Priory Arts Players. Tickets available via the Priory Arts website

Priory Arts are a group of volunteers dedicated to bringing culture in its broadest sense to Leominster

Priory Arts is a sub committee of the PCC Charity Number: 1131837

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