King John's Hunting Lodge, Local museum in medieval merchant house at Axbridge, England
King John's Hunting Lodge is a timber-frame building from 1460 located at a corner of Axbridge's town square. This three-story structure has characteristic overhanging upper floors typical of medieval design and now houses a museum displaying items related to local history.
The building dates to the 15th century and originally served as the residence of a prosperous wool merchant in the trading town of Axbridge. It later functioned as an inn before being converted into a museum for public viewing.
The name suggests a royal visit, but the building actually served wealthy wool merchants as their home and workplace. The rooms show how prosperous traders of that era lived and organized their domestic spaces.
The building sits directly on the town square, making it easy to reach on foot from surrounding streets. Keep in mind that interior spaces are compact and parking is limited near the town center.
The original oak staircase from the 15th century with its 27 steps demonstrates how medieval craftsmen executed intricate woodwork. This staircase is one of the few surviving examples of construction techniques from that period.
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