Merchant's House

A fine example of a 16th/17th century house, the historic Merchant's Housebuilding is full of objects and information that provides a snapshot of Plymouth's past including the Victorian era and the Blitz.

A historic building tucked away down one of the city's oldest streets - the Merchant's House is Plymouth's finest surviving example of a 16th/17th century residence. During the 17th century it was home to three Plymouth mayors including privateer William Parker, a friend of Sir Francis Drake.

Climb the winding stairs and you will find the Merchant's House packed with Plymouth's history, a variety of old curiosities and everyday items.

Highlights include a 17th century Trelawney mantelpiece, genuine gold painted 19th century shop front signs, a huge doll's house that dates from the 1870s, a ducking stool, local truncheons and manacles, a Victorian school room and a Blitz-themed room.

In 2014 you can also see our special Diary of a Soldier display.