The Merchant's House - Travel Trade

About

This 17th century Silk Merchant’s House and was built following the Great Fire of Marlborough in 1653 and has been restored to the highest standard with unique and rare wall paintings being uncovered, a commanding oak staircase, an impressive panelled room and much of the original fabric survives. 

Home to Thomas Bayly, a silk mercer and prominent Marlborough citizen, this house provides an insight into the lifestyle and interests of a middle-class family during 17th century Marlborough.

Take time to explore the beautiful gift shop with a variety of presents from Emma Bridgewater pottery to English soaps and greeting cards. During the months of November and December, when the house is closed, the panelled room is taken over by the shop to include a Christmas room full of decorations and festive gifts. 

There is a programme of annual events to help raise funds and increase knowledge and appreciation of this period in history. These include 17th and 18th Century lectures, Music, Gardening, Candlelit evenings, Antiques and Art events.

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Trade Product Information and Experiences:

Guided Tour - A 45 min to 1 hour tour of the House and Garden with one of our experienced guides. Take time to explore the rooms and exhibitions on display while learning about the history of the house and life in the 17th Century. Suitable for children, we have a ‘Mervyn the Mouse’ hunt throughout with quiz’s suitable for different age groups.

Bookings for larger groups with multiple tours can be arranged. Pre-booking essential as all guides are volunteers.

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Booking Information:

Name of trade contact: Katie Fairfax-Ross

Trade email address: info@merchantshousetrust.co.uk

Trade Tel:  +44 (0) 1672 511491

Opening Dates: Open daily Monday - Saturday from March until October. Standard visitor tours take place:

Monday - 1pm, Tuesday – 1pm & 3pm, Wednesday – 11am, 1pm, & 3pm, Thursday – 1pm, Friday – 11am, 1pm, & 3pm, Saturday - 11am, 1pm, & 3pm, Sunday – Closed

Tours outside these hours can be arranged if a guide is available, please call the Trust office on +44 (0) 1672 511491 to arrange.

The Merchant’s House welcomes Groups and Coach Parties throughout the year.

For groups of 8 or more we offer private tours outside our normal tour times at a 20% discount on our standard adult ticket price which makes group tickets only £6.00 per person (instead of £7.50 per person).

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Trade Prices – Group/FIT rates (as of 2020):

£7.50 per person
Groups receive a 20% discount on standard prices.

Group Rates - £6.00 per person based on 8 pax.

For less than 8 pax standard rates of £7.50pp will be charged.

These rates are subject to change in 2021 due to Covid-19.

Min group size: 8 pax

Languages: English

Duration of visit: 45 Minutes- 1 Hour

Coach Parking: Parking is available for coaches in George Lane car park SN8 4BX, and visitors can walk easily through the car park over the Kennet River straight onto the High Street. There is a comfortable rest room for coach drivers in George Lane car park.

Suitable for Education / Corporate / Incentive visits: Yes. The Merchant's House welcomes visits from schools and have developed a morning programme that is informative and fun for children in Year Groups 3 – 7.

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Additional Information:

We are pleased to offer one free place on the tour for the group organiser. In addition, coach drivers are welcome to join tours free of charge. No refreshment facilities onsite but plenty of local cafes, restaurants and facilities nearby. Please visit our website for details on ‘The Marlborough Museum’ which is adjacent to the house.