Ancient High House, House museum in Stafford, England
The Ancient High House is a six-story timber-framed building on Greengate Street with original Tudor architecture and exposed wooden beams throughout. The structure displays typical features of the late 16th century, with multiple floors that made it unusually tall when it was built.
The house was built in 1595 for the Dorrington family and served as the residence of a wealthy merchant family. Its importance grew when King Charles I stayed there in 1642 during the English Civil War, making it a witness to this turbulent period.
The house earned its name from its remarkable height, which was unusual in the 16th century and made it a landmark in the old town. The rooms display how wealthy families lived across different periods, with furniture and objects reflecting daily life through the ages.
The building is easy to spot from outside and is centrally located on a main street in the town center. As a museum with multiple floors, wear comfortable shoes since exploring all levels can be tiring, especially if you want to visit the upper stories.
The top floor contains a collection dedicated to the Staffordshire Yeomanry with military artifacts spanning over two centuries. This collection documents the history of a local regiment and offers an unexpected look at military history that contrasts with the domestic interiors of the other floors.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
