Free Entry
Medieval Merchant's House is open on Mondays 10am -1pm, from April - Oct
Address:
58 French Street, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 2AT
Tucked away near Southampton’s busy city centre is the Medieval Merchant’s House, one of the oldest surviving merchant’s houses in England.
It was begun in about 1290 by John Fortin, a merchant who traded with Bordeaux. Like most medieval merchant’s houses, it was a combination of home, workplace and shop.
During the 1980s it was restored to its mid-14th-century appearance. It’s now been dressed with vivid replica furnishings and fittings. It stands on what was once among medieval Southampton’s most important streets, near the wall which defended the town against seaborne attacks.
Medieval Merchant's House is open on Mondays 10am - 1pm, from April - October.
Heritage Open Days this September
Every September, Heritage Open Days celebrate England’s heritage and history with free events across the country.
This year the festival is running from Friday 11 to Sunday 20 September 2026.
Click the red button below to see the events happening at this site and when you can visit for free. More events across the country will be available to view shortly.
Discover what's onWe look forward to seeing you soon
Plan a Great Day Out
- Portchester Castle it's only 20 minutes away!
The sights and sounds of the Medieval Merchant's House
Take a look inside the Medieval Merchant's House on this episode of our homes through history series.