The Master's House

If you come by car to this interesting town, the chances are that you will park in the central car park via Bye Street.  This car park is called St Katherine’s because it is the site of the Medieval Hospital founded in 1231. The large and varied building in the centre is the Master’s House, built in 1487 for the Master who ran the hospital. It has a long and fascinating history.

Although the Master’s House is mostly wrapped in Georgian and Victorian brick, you should make it your first visit in the town. Entry is free and when you step inside you will be amazed to find yourself in the original early Tudor building, fully restored in 2015. This interior, as well as being a well-equipped modern library, is a living museum of the story of the Medieval Hospital.

As you look round the ground floor and you can follow a simple brief self-guided tour including the main hall, the master’s study, the original kitchen and a complete time line in the form of wooden open books.

On the first Wednesday of the month from March to October there is a full guided tour of both floors of the building.  It is also possible to arrange private tours for groups.  Please make contact with the Friends of the Master’s House via our website.

There are also small gifts and booklets available to buy from the cart in the Great Hall.