History of Merchant House

A 16th century dwelling constructed to the highest of fashions by some of the most enterprising people in the commercial world of Launceston.

A sketch of an old, multi-story wooden building with a man and three chickens on the sidewalk in front.

At the time Launceston was a very important administrative town with the castle dominating it. It was the capital of Cornwall. The merchant traders spread out from Cornwall purchasing goods from across the world for local trade. They were enterprising wealthy and wanted people to know it. They were certainly new money.

As will be seen in the subsections below we have a record of the construction and phasing of the building along with detailed records of the various elements of construction.

You will also find more extensive details of the various occupiers, residents and tenants of Merchant House who have made an impact on the building that we see now.

Originally a high status building it slowly slid down the social scale as the country became more a nation of shopkeepers in the Victorian era. Like sleeping beauty she lay barely touched on the upper floors since the close of the Edwardian era. A veritable Time Capsule which we very much hope you will be able to share and enjoy with us.

A hallway with wood paneling and large windows with decorative glass, leading to a dining room with a china cabinet filled with plates.