Our Shop is now OPEN

The Merchant's House Shop re-opened on Monday 6th July. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday 11:00am to 4:00pm. After such a long enforced break we are all very much looking forward to welcoming you back. We have implemented many changes in line with Government retail guidelines (screens, social distancing, limited numbers, payment methods and so on) and we have published details on our shop page so you know what to expect when you come to the shop.

In order to safeguard the health of all those associated with The Merchant's House our House and Garden tours and Museum remain closed.This is being kept under constant review, and we will re-open as soon as it is safe to do so. We all very much look forward to the time when The Merchant's House is once again vibrant and bustling with activity.

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.