Tower and Town, June 2021

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Looking After The Merchants's House

The 17th century silk Merchant’s House in Marlborough is undergoing a much-needed programme of building work. After 30 years of conserving the inside of this Grade 2* building, the Merchant’s House Trust commissioned a report during lockdown to find out the state of the building

The result is a £150,000 Appeal, launched on 26 April to ensure the building is conserved for future generations. Work is needed on the roof and other aspects of the building, including replacing the top right-hand window on the front of the House, to bring symmetry to the façade.

Bond Construction of Burbage were commissioned to carry out the work and their eye for detail and care of such an old and special building will ensure it is in good shape in the future. Roof work is only seen by a few, but there are photographs on the MH website www.themerchantshouse.co.uk to show the scale of the project and the fine workmanship that is being carried out.

Built in 1653 after the Great Fire of Marlborough, it was the home of Thomas Bayly and his family for many years. A variety of people have occupied the Merchant’s House over the years. In 1990 W.H. Smith put it up for sale and Marlborough Town Council bought it and saved it for the local community. The Merchant’s House Trust was formed in 1991 and leases the property for a Peppercorn Rent.

During the past 30 years the Trust has raised funds to conserve and restore this unique building. Thanks to the vision of the original founders of the Trust, Sir John Sykes, Victor Chinnery, Dr Richard Clapp and Michael Gray, the work carried out revealed rare wall paintings and many other treasures.

The much-loved Shop was opened, guided Tours began, the 17th century-style garden was created and built using authentic hard-landscaping and plants appropriate to the period. The Educational Project started to introduce primary school children in Marlborough and the wider community to the 17C. The Marlborough Museum was opened in 2018. The support of dedicated volunteers has been vital and now the House re-emerges from the pandemic lockdown to serve the community again

Alison Galvin-Wright