Merchant’s House, Plymouth

For a city that was severely damaged by bombing in the Second World War because of its importance as a sea port, Plymouth is lucky that the German bombers were slightly wayward with their aim as it has meant the survival of one of the most striking buildings in the area, and a prime example of an early 16th century private residence.  The Merchant’s House in St. Andrews Street (PL1 2AX) has a well documented history and unsurprisingly its owners over the years have included some of the great and good of Plymouth society.

Merchant's House in Plymouth

The first recorded owner was William Parker, an Elizabethan privateer and merchant. He was Mayor of Plymouth from 1601 to 1602 and it is known that he was certainly living in the house in 1608, although the style and standard of construction suggest that it was around some while before that.

Merchants, more Lord Mayors, and master carpenters, all have lived here, and the names of the families are a roll call of Plymouth history, such as the Parkers, the Rowes, Beales, Martyns and Symonds.

In later years it has suffered the occasional change of fortune, having been used as a shop, lodging house and even (good heavens above!) as a taxi office. It was rescued from decay by Plymouth City Council in 1970, and with the help of the Department of the Environment, many of the original features were kept and made good. Two steel joists, fire precautions and some modern partitions were also added. Work was completed in 1976 and the house was opened as a branch museum, showing different aspects of Plymouth life, in 1977.

http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/homepage/creativityandculture/museums/museummerchantshouse.htm

http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/homepage/creativityandculture/museums/museummerchantshouse/museummerchantshistory.htm