Historic Merchant’s House opens for summer season

The Merchant’s House, one of Plymouth’s most historic properties, has opened its doors for the 2013 season.

Located at 33 St Andrew Street, tucked behind the Magistrates Court, the house is Plymouth’s finest surviving example of a 16th to 17th century residence.

Inside, it is divided into a series of themed rooms that look at different aspects of Plymouth’s more recent history, including the Victorian era and the Blitz.

New for this year on the top floor is ‘On Plymouth Hoe’, a display of black and white images of Plymouth Hoe mainly dating from the Edwardian era.

On Thursday 30 May, the house will be offering a special music event as part of Plymouth’s first-ever History Festival. Local folk band ‘Tobacco Road’ will perform some of their favourite tunes from 10.30am to 11.30am. Standard admission will apply but there is no need to book in advance.

On Friday 2 and Friday 16 August, the house will also play host to some ‘Creepy House Storytime’ events aimed at children of a primary school age. The storytelling sessions are part of the Council library service's Summer Reading Challenge and will run from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Standard admission will apply for accompanying adults but children will get in free if they show their library cards. There is no need to book in advance.

The Merchant’s House will remain open until Saturday 28 September. Opening hours are 10am to 12pm (last entries at 11.30am) and 1pm to 5pm (last entries at 4.30pm) from Tuesday to Saturday.

Admission charges for 2013 are just £1.30 per child, £1.60 per student or senior and £2.60 per adult. Under-threes go free and a family ticket for up to two adults and three children costs just £7.50. A range of group discounts are also available. The house will also be offering free admission for one day only on Friday 13 September to mark Heritage Open Days 2013.

More information about the Merchant’s House is available from www.plymouth.gov.uk/museums or telephone 01752 304774.

Sister property, the Elizabethan House at 32 New Street, is currently undergoing essential maintenance works and will open for the season later in the Spring.