Historic houses re-open for summer season

Plymouth’s historic Elizabethan and Merchant’s Houses have opened their doors for 2014.

Both properties are rare surviving examples of their time and provide a fascinating insight into different aspects of the city’s heritage.

The Elizabethan House was built in the late 1500s when Plymouth was a thriving, bustling port. The Merchant’s House dates from the early 1600s and was built by privateer and merchant William Parker, who was also Lord Mayor of Plymouth from 1601 to 1602.

Visitors to the Elizabethan House can enjoy an authentic experience with white lime washed plaster walls, bare wooden floors and oak beams, which were probably salvaged from a ship. The house is laid out in the style of a sea captain’s home with historic furniture and fabrics.

Visitors to the Merchant’s House can find out more about Plymouth during the Victorian era and the Blitz. This year, they can also see a graphic display called ‘Diary of a Soldier’, which features excerpts and images from the journal and sketchbook of a Plymouth man who fought in the trenches at Gallipoli.

Both houses are open from 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday, until Saturday 4 October.

They will also be open on Sunday 11 May (when the Barbican and Waterfront host this year’s ‘Pirate Weekend’), during October half term and on Thursday 27 November for Thanksgiving.

A number of events will be taking place at the houses over the next few months. These include guided tours and family activities during this year’s History Festival as well as storytelling and music events.

Admission is just £2.60 for adults and £1.30 for children aged three to 16. A family ticket for up to two adults and three children is £7.50. Under-threes go free. A range of other concessions and group rates are also available, including £1.60 for students and seniors.

For more information about each of the houses visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/museums or call 01752 304774.

Full details of the Plymouth History Festival programme are available at www.plymhistoryfest.wordpress.com

Photo © Copyright Stuart Logan and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.