Tudor House and Garden, at the heart of Southampton’s Old Town, re-opens Saturday 30 July
29 July 2011
Southampton’s most important historic building, Tudor House, reopens to the public on Saturday, 30 July after nine years of refurbishment. Exactly one hundred years ago the House was bought by the council from WHG Spranger, who had previously rescued and renovated it. In 1912 it re-opened as the town’s first municipal Museum. Many generations of local children and families remember their visits, countless visitors to the Old Town have enjoyed its lovely Garden and views. Now, after another careful repair programme the House is once again ready to welcome/greet another generation of visitors.
Staff involved in the project and local people and volunteers have already had a chance to test out the Tudor House resources at a recent ‘soft opening’. Laura Mellor, part of the Arts and Heritage Admin team says
“I was really impressed by how good the House looks, and the amazing range of interactive gadgets. I think children these days are really going to enjoy using these, and they’ll be a hit with families. I don’t think it’s just about the gadgetry though. The other thing that interested me most was the medieval cellar that had been used as a World War II air raid shelter. Just the thought of what life must have been like for people in Southampton then - and the smell! I’ll definitely be going there this summer with my family.”
Families visiting can enjoy an exciting new audio-visual show, and free child and adult audio tours. Children can be intrigued by ‘lenticulars’ – panels which show each room in different historical periods. The House’s long history is told through key people and eras, in particular the Tudor, Georgian and Victorian: from the mighty Tudor Lord Chief Justice Sir Richard Lyster to less prominent but no less fascinating characters such as the Victorian milliner Eliza Simmons.
Facilities:
- A new café overlooking the garden
- Free audio guides
- Full ground and first floor access with platform lifts
- Free admission for carers accompanying a paying disabled person
Admission:
Children under 7 free
Adults £4.75
Concessions (over 60s and FOSMAG members) £3.75
Children 7-16 £3.00
Other events in the Old Town:
Over the opening weekend, other specially arranged events will be taking place in Southampton's Old Town, for example at St Michael’s Square where you’ll be able to meet Tudor characters and find out about Tudor life. You can meet a sailor and a spy and find out more about the Spanish Armada, collect free guides to the Old Town walk and other self guided tours around the Old Town and the city centre. There will be free guided tours three times each day on Saturday and Sunday, and Castle Vault and the Undercroft will be open to the public to explore both afternoons, with city archaeologists on hand to explain their history.
The Medieval Merchants House will be open especially on Saturday 30th between 10am and 5pm, and also open at it’s normal time on Sunday July 32st.
Image shows: Tudor House
Image copyright: Southampton City Council
For more information:
Web: www.tudorhouseandgarden.com or www.southampton.gov.uk/tudorhouse
