Open
Closed for Restoration
Guided tours of Tudor House can be organised. Contact the Archaeology Unit on 023 8063 4906 for bookings and costs.
Description
TUDOR HOUSE LOOKS TO NEXT 500 YEARS WITH
£1.6 MILLION BOOST.
The future of one of Southampton’s best-known and most historically important landmarks has been secured following an award of almost £1.6 million.
The 500-year old Tudor House, on Bugle Street will undergo major structural repairs and refurbishment over the next three years in a £2.3 million project that will faithfully restore the city’s favourite museum spaces. Southampton City Council has committed £590,000 to the scheme, in addition to the £1.598 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Tudor House in its present form - the distinctive, timbered building that dominates St Michael’s Square - was built in about 1492, but originally consisted of three dwellings dating back to c 1150. It has housed some of Southampton’s most prominent citizens, including John MP, John Dawtrey, who created the building we know today, Sir Richard Lyster, which was Chief Justice of England, and George Rogers, a successful artist.
Work on Tudor House will start early next year after contracts have been let and detailed project plans have been drawn up. Tudor House is likely to be swathed in scaffolding for as long as two years. Throughout the project, a detailed archaeological survey will be carried out by the city council’s Archaeology Team.
As well as structural repairs and new services, better disabled access, including a lift, will also be installed. General maintenance of the renowned Tudor Knot Garden will continue during the closure.
During the repair programme, city council heritage officers will be working on a second phase bid, which could see the building transformed as a visitor experience. New displays which would tell the story of this fascinating building, together with a café and educational facilities are included in outline proposals.
Tudor House Museum and Garden is closed for restorations, however to arrange a guided tour to look at the archaeology of the building.
General Information
Brochure or leaflet available with directions to museum
Disability Access
Large print information and/or interpretation
