Ancient High House, Stafford

The Ancient High House is one of the finest Tudor buildings in the country which once dominated the skyline of Stafford. Built in around 1595 for the wealthy Dorrington family, the ornate timber-framed building is generally believed to be the largest surviving timber-framed town house in England from the Tudor period. The house retains an extensive collection of period furniture and architectural features, and many of the original timbers still bear the carpenter’s marks.

Royalty was welcomed to the house in 1642 when King Charles I stayed there en route to Shrewsbury. In September 1643, not long after raising the Royal Standard at Nottingham, Charles visited Stafford and stayed at the Ancient High House, calling his loyal subjects to arms. This act was seen as the start of the English Civil War and King Charles made the High House his temporary headquarters.

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. There are many rooms over several floors including the Civil War Room, the Castle Room, the Stuart Bedroom, the Wallpaper Room, the Victorian Room, and many others.

It is also the home of the Staffordshire Yeomanry Regiment Museum, founded in 1794, which is on the attic floor. 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.