Due to the latest lockdown restrictions

the house: 01672 511491
the shop: 01672 511690

The Merchant's House Gift Shop
is currently closed, but we are offering a personal "Click and Collect" service

As soon as there is any change in this situaton we will post an update here.

The Trust Office is operating as normal and can be contacted on 01672 511491

It is with great regret that we have to announce that Richard Clapp sadly died on Monday 1st February, as a result of a traffic accident.

Richard has been part of the Merchant’s House Trust since the beginning in 1991. He was a Trustee, Shop Director, Guide and much more.

Read more

The Merchant's House

Thomas Bayly, a silk mercer and prominent Marlborough citizen (twice Mayor), ran his business and brought up his family at what is now 132/3 High Street in a time of great change both locally and nationally.

In 1642 one of the earliest Civil War battles took place in the heart of the town and Marlborough gained a reputation for its firm commitment to the parliamentary cause.

Eleven years later, in 1653, the town was destroyed in a huge fire necessitating a rebuild of which the Merchant's House was part.

The house is a rare and remarkable survival. It provides an insight into the lifestyle and interests of a middle-class family during a century when modern Britain - an outward looking, emerging capitalist country and one with a maturing political life - was coming into being.

We are learning a lot about the Baylys and 17th century Marlborough. We hope a visit to this fascinating building will help you do the same.