Priest's House, Muchelney
Small thatched medieval hall house in Muchelney built in 1308 for the parish priest, now a National Trust property shown by its tenants.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Priest's House at Muchelney was built around 1308 by Muchelney Abbey as a home for the parish priest of the church opposite. It was used by the vicar or curate until about 1840 and was later used as a cellar and a school, and in the late 19th century a farmer rented it for storage. By then it was in poor repair and was recommended for demolition in 1896 and again in 1901.
A public appeal organised by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings saved it, with donations from Jane Morris, Thomas Hardy and George Bernard Shaw, and the National Trust acquired the house in 1911. The architect Ernest Barnsley designed the restoration. Further structural repairs followed in the 1990s and 2000s, including a new roof structure and new thatch.
The house is a two-storey thatched building of local stone with a four-bay south front. Its features include the original Gothic doorway, tall tracery windows, a large 15th-century fireplace and a cruck roof. In the 16th century a ceiling divided the original open hall into two floors. The National Trust describes the property as a late medieval hall house in a picturesque village. It is let to tenants, who show visitors around the medieval hall, tell its story and answer questions, and a short guide can be borrowed.
Highlights
- Medieval hall house built in 1308 for the parish priest
- Original Gothic doorway and tall tracery windows
- Large 15th-century stone fireplace
- Guided around the house by the tenants
Permanent exhibition
- Medieval hall – The medieval hall of the 1308 priest's house, with its Gothic doorway, tracery windows and large fireplace.
- Operated by
- National Trust
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £5 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | £2free up to age 4 · Child ticket for ages 5 to 17; under 5s are free. |
Entry is free for National Trust members. The prices are for the whole property.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom: not available
- Accessible parking: not available
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The house is a private home with limited accessibility. The path from the road is about 100 yards long and unevenly paved, there are steps up to the stepped entrance and no ramp, and the first floor is reached by narrow stairs without a handrail. Light levels are low. There is no induction loop and no wheelchair loan, there are no toilets and no designated disabled parking, and some seating is provided. Only assistance dogs are welcome.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
There is no designated car park; parking is on the road nearby, and there are no brown signs to the house.
- Accessible parking: not available
The church and the English Heritage property Muchelney Abbey are close by.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café: not available
- Restaurant: not available
- Museum shop: not available
There are no toilets, café or shop at the property.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The house is a private home. Visitors are met at the front door by the tenants, who give a tour and answer questions, and a short guide can be borrowed. |
