The site contains preserved medieval graffiti, including carvings of ships and religious symbols etched into the walls.
During the 19th century, the building was used as a bustling paint factory and later a shipyard, hiding much of its medieval heritage.
The Norman house on the site is one of the few surviving domestic buildings in England dating back to the 12th century.
Excavations at the site have unearthed 16th-century rubbish pits containing food remains that reveal the diet of early Southampton merchants.
The garden was reconstructed to reflect the planting styles and medicinal herb knowledge common in the 16th century.
Tudor House & Garden is Southampton's oldest building, comprising a 12th-century Norman stone house and a 15th-century timber-framed structure. The site serves as a museum chronicling over 800 years of local history through interactive displays and conserved domestic spaces. Visitors can explore the King John's House, the earliest surviving domestic building in the city, alongside a reconstructed Tudor-style knot garden. The house functioned as a residence for wealthy merchants before later being converted into commercial premises, including a Victorian-era shipyard and painter's workshop. Its extensive renovation in the early 21st century uncovered significant medieval architectural features and historical graffiti. The museum's collections include period furniture, ceramics, and artifacts recovered from archaeological digs in the surrounding Old Town. The property is managed by the local council and features a cafe overlooking the garden. It remains one of the few examples of a layered urban domestic site in Southern England.
The central path of the knot garden looking back toward the timber-framed rear facade of the house.
Use the free audio guide available on your smartphone to navigate the layered architectural history of the rooms.
Check the garden before exploring the interior, as it is a compact space that can become crowded during mid-day tours.
Missing the upper floor of the 15th-century house, as many visitors overlook the staircase leading to the bedroom exhibits.
Closed on certain weekdays; check official site for seasonal closure updates.
Refrain from touching historical wall surfaces or artifacts; follow signage regarding photography in sensitive display areas.
