The Merchant's House Marlborough
Overview
The merchant in question is Thomas Bayly, a prosperous silk merchant whose 17th-century house graces Marlborough's picturesque High Street. Built following the Great Fire of Marlborough in 1653, the house is spacious and elegantly proportioned and, although home to a Puritan family, contains nationally acclaimed wall paintings and colourful decorative features. Some of the rooms that can be visited include the kitchen, panelled chamber, servant’s bedchamber and the grand staircase, all of which have been painstakingly restored to their 17th-century glory. Outside is a typical townhouse garden of the period, also carefully researched and restored, enclosed by a hornbeam hedge. The house is a venue for the performance of early music and there is a well-stocked shop located on the ground floor.
Features
- Opening Times
- Opening Times: Open Apr-Oct. Tours Mon 11.30 & 1.30, Tue, Fri-Sat 10.30, 12, 1.30 & 3, Group visits by arrangement throughout the year
- Facilities
- Parking nearby
- Children
- Suitable for children of all ages
About the area
Wiltshire’s charm lies in the beauty of its countryside, with expansive chalk landscapes of the Marlborough and Pewsey downs and miles of uninterrupted views deep into Dorset, Somerset and the Cotswolds. Stroll through quaint timbered and thatched villages in the southern Woodford and Avon valleys and explore the historic streets of the stone villages of Lacock, Castle Combe and Sherston.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Hotel
Chiseldon House Hotel
★★★
"A good mix of relaxed and friendly welcome with efficient service...."
- Family rooms: 4
- Free TV
- WiFi available
Self-Catering
The Stables at Manor Farm
★★★★
"Comfortable accommodation on a working farm in Wiltshire..."
- Total units: 2
Inn
Three Swans
★★★★
"Historic hotel right in the centre of the busy market town...."
- Rooms 25
- Free TV
- Wifi
Nearby places to stay
Chiseldon House Hotel
Conveniently located for access to the M4, Chiseldon House is in a quiet location and has a relaxed ambience. Bedrooms include a number of larger rooms but all are comfortably furnished...
★★★ Rating
The Stables at Manor Farm
The two converted farm buildings at Manor Farm are light and bright, but still have a cosiness about them. They are in East Grafton, a short walk away and with access to open countrysid...
★★★★ Rating
Three Swans
Centrally located in the bustling market town of Hungerford, this charming former inn dates back some 700 years. Visitors will still see original arch under which the horse-drawn carria...
★★★★ Rating
Crown and Anchor
The Crown and Anchor is a delightful traditional country inn set in the peaceful village of Ham, within easy reach of both Hungerford and Marlborough. Complete with oak panelling and fl...
★★★★ Rating
Tichborne's Farm Cottages
Set in some really beautiful Wiltshire countryside, you’ll find the three Tichborne’s Farm Cottages. Two of these converted stables are on one level, while the third is split-level. It’...
★★★★ Rating
Linnet Cottage
Awaiting description...
★★★★ Rating
Swallow Cottage
Awaiting description...
★★★★ Rating
Kestrel Cottage
Awaiting description...
★★★★ Rating






