Tudor House and Garden

The Tudor House and Garden in Southampton is a restored 15th century historic home which now operates as a museum.

Tudor House and Garden history

Though previous structures existed on the site, the existing Tudor House and Garden that is seen today traces its roots back to around 1495 AD, when Sir John Dawtry, an important local official, had the building constructed from those houses which previously stood here.

The building is accompanied by King John’s Palace, an adjacent Norman house accessible from Tudor House Garden, dating back a further 300 years.

In the 16th and 17th centuries the house was used as a merchant house as a cloth maker and manufacturer.

During the restoration in 2007 conservators discovered that several walls were covered with graffiti that dated between 1570 and 1620. Images include ships, caricatures of people, and exotic animals. During that period Tudor House was owned by ship owners, and it is likely that the house was used as a place of lodging for sailors and privateers.

After coming close to being demolished in 1886, local philanthropist William Spranger bought the house and led a twelve-year campaign to turn the house into a museum. Eventually he was successful, and the house opened as a museum on 31 July 1912.

Tudor House and Garden today

Recently restored, today the Tudor House and Garden is now one of Southampton’s most important historic buildings. Tudor House and Garden has a fascinating history and provides us with rich insight into the lives of people in Southampton over the last 800 years.

As well as the house itself visitors can explore the museum within which contains a number of displays and artefacts covering hundreds of years of history and there is also access to King Johns Palace.

Tudor House appeals to visitors of all ages and interests, who find the family-friendly activities, interactive technology and fascinating displays a winning combination.

Getting to Tudor House and Garden

Situated in the heart of Southampton city centre, it is very easy to get to the Tudor House and Garden.

If travelling by car, the site is 75 miles from London. Following the M3, M27 and A34 provides the most direct and fastest route from the capital, North and Home Counties. If travelling from the West, Bristol or Wales, follow the A36. From the East, follow the A27/M27, exiting at Junction 8. There are numerous car parks around the city and within walking distance of the House.

If travelling via pubic transport, Southampton Central is the closest train station approximately 1 mile away from the Tudor House & Garden. Regular cross country and local services to London Victoria, Gatwick and London Waterloo are available.

A bus service also runs from outside platform 4 to Town Quay. You can then walk from here down Bugle Street until you reach the house.