The Ancient High House

The Ancient High House

The Ancient High House is one of the most impressive Tudor Houses in the country. It is the largest remaining timber framed town house in England. The house was constructed by the Dorrington family in 1595. It is believed that they came from Doxey woods.

Within the history of the high house it has had many owners.

In 1642 the house was occupied by the Sneyd Family which were one of Staffordshire's most important families. King Charles I and his nephew Rupert stayed there as guests en route to Shrewsbury at the start of the civil war.

After Stafford was taken over by the Parliamentarians, the Ancient High House became a prison for Royalist Officers.

In 1794 the Staffordshire Yeomanry Regiment Museum was founded.  As a local volunteer force the Yeomanry saw active service for over 200 years.

 In the 18^th Century Mr. Brooke Crutchley owned the house which was divided into two and shared with Mr Samuel Twigg.

Renovations to the ground floor in the 19^th century weakened the structure and continued to deteriorate and as a result Stafford Borough Council carried out an extensive restoration programme. At the rear of the building is a small herb garden.

In 1986 the house was opened as a museum which has a collection of period furniture and architectural features and now provides a fascinating look into the lives of the people who have lived there over the centuries.

Inside the high house is a Civil War Room where King Charles I and Prince Rupert stayed during their visit, the coat-of-arms of the Sneyd family can be seen in this room also. In the Stuart Bedroom a beautiful four poster bed and a variety of wallpaper dating between the 18^th and 19^th centuries can be seen.

Today, over 400 years since it was built, The Ancient High House is still a spectacular sight and historic place in Stafford. The Ancient High House is now an approved venue for small Weddings and Civil Ceremonies.

Arts and crafts exhibitions are also held here and a heritage shop is also available on site.