Ancient High House
The Ancient High House is one of the finest Tudor buildings in the country. Once dominating the skyline of Stafford, it is the largest remaining timber framed town house in England.
Royalty was welcomed to the house in 1642 when King Charles I stayed there en route to Shrewsbury, and the house retains an extensive collection of period furniture and architectural features. It is also the home of the Staffordshire Yeomanry Museum.
Built in around 1595 for the wealthy Dorrington family, the ornate timber framed building is reputed to be the largest surviving timber framed town house in England from the Tudor period.
In 1986 the house opened as a museum and now provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people who have lived there over the centuries.
Visit the Civil War Room where King Charles 1st and Prince Rupert stayed during their brief visit to the town; view the Stuart Bedroom with its magnificent four poster bed; admire the elegant splendour of the Wallpaper Room with its Georgian displays; visit Mr Marson in his Edwardian Shop; and observe the grand comfort of the Victorian Room.
To learn more about how the house was built the Castle Room has an interesting display showing and explaining the method of construction and the materials used – our visitors young and old find this room fascinating!
The attic floor is home to the Staffordshire Yeomanry Regiment Museum, founded in 1794. As a local volunteer force the Yeomanry saw active service for over 200 years. The extensive range of items on display reflects their illustrious and distinguished history.
An exciting programme of exhibitions by regional artists takes place in two gallery spaces and a changing history exhibition gives visitors the opportunity to view a range of artefacts not generally on public display.
There is a school and group tour programme and occasional themed tours, talks and workshops to support our history exhibitions. Throughout the year we have an exciting range of events, activities and workshops that bring added colour and bustle to the rooms.
Our ground floor shop offers a wide range of gifts, souvenirs, traditional toys and local crafts. And we stock an extensive range of local history books.
With hands on activities, children’s games and quizzes there is something for all the family.
