The Medieval Merchant's House, Southampton
The Medieval Merchant's House in Southampton is one of few surviving medieval townhouses in England.
Constructed around 1290, it’s a remarkably well-preserved example of late 13th century architecture.
During World War 2, German bombings in 1940 exposed the medieval interior, leading to its restoration in the 1980s.
English Heritage later took responsibility for the building, transforming it into a tourist attraction.
The house was originally built for John Fortin, a wealthy wine merchant, and designed to serve both business and family needs.
It featured a vaulted cellar for storing wine, a shop at the front, and living quarters for the family.
While much of the structure was made from stone, the front was constructed with timber, reflecting the popular architectural style of the time.
Around 60 similar houses were built in Southampton during the same period.
The house features a medieval narrow, right-angle layout, with an undercroft designed to store wine at a stable temperature and a first-floor bedchamber that extends over the street to maximise space.
Historian Glyn Coppack notes its significance as "the only building of its type to survive substantially as first built."
By the 1330s, Southampton's wealth began to decline, and in 1338 the town suffered a devastating French raid, during which many buildings were burned.
The Medieval Merchant’s House may have been affected, as the southwest corner collapsed and had to be swiftly rebuilt.
The economy never fully recovered after the attack, leading to a shift in the town's character.
In the 15th century, Southampton experienced a brief resurgence due to the wool trade with Italy and the arrival of foreign merchants.
The Medieval Merchant’s House passed through the hands of several local merchants, but unlike many neighboring properties that were combined into larger homes, it remained a standalone residence.
However, by the mid 16th century, Southampton’s economy declined again as trade with Italy faded.
This downturn affected French Street’s fortunes, although a new parlour was added to the house, along with an extra floor over the hall to create more sleeping space.
When World War 2 began in 1939, the house was functioning as a brothel.
In 1940, it suffered severe damage during the Blitz, exposing its medieval interior, which led Southampton City Council to acquire the property.
It was transferred to the Secretary of State for the Environment in 1972 and later entrusted to English Heritage in 1984.
The house underwent restoration as a tourist attraction from 1983 to 1985, influenced by the late 20th century living history movement.
Due to previous damage to its post-medieval sections, restoration efforts focused on returning the house to its medieval condition, removing later additions and relying on archaeological reinterpretation where necessary.
The finished house features replica late 13th and 14th century furniture, and English Heritage staff originally wore medieval-style uniforms.
Today, the Medieval Merchant's House at 58 French Street is a scheduled monument, continuing to attract visitors.
If you’d like to visit, tickets can be purchased in advance via the English Heritage website.
Someone who recently reviewed the property said: “The rooms have furniture in them depicting the era from which the house is from. Its nice to see how people used to live.
”The lady at reception was very friendly and informative. Thanks English Heritage for saving this property and continue your good work.”
The address is: 58 French St, Southampton SO14 2AT
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