The King's House, Historic residence in The Close, Salisbury, England
The King's House is a building in The Close at Salisbury with stone walls made of flint rubble, three prominent gables, and original medieval window frames crafted from Ham Hill stone. The structure reflects multiple building phases from the 13th to 16th centuries, with each period leaving visible marks on the facade and interior spaces.
The building originated in the 13th century as a court residence for the Abbot of Sherborne and was converted to private use following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century. This transition shaped its appearance and purpose for the following centuries.
The building displays decorated plaster ceilings and window frames that show how English construction methods changed over several centuries. You can observe these details throughout the rooms and notice the craftsmanship from different periods side by side.
The building now functions as a museum and is open to visitors throughout the year with guided tours available through its rooms and exhibition areas. Allow extra time to explore the upper floors, where the medieval windows and architectural details are more visible and easier to examine.
Two royal visits took place here when King James I and Queen Anne of Denmark came to the residence in the early 17th century. A military engineer also worked within the house and developed artillery innovations that would later carry his name.
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