How to Take a St Marys House Tour

St Marys House, a historic gem nestled in the heart of Surrey, England, offers visitors a rare and immersive journey into Tudor and Elizabethan life. Originally built in the early 16th century as a retreat for the Bishop of Winchester, this beautifully preserved manor house has stood the test of time, surviving wars, renovations, and shifting cultural tides. Today, it is managed by the Sussex Archaeological Society and open to the public as a museum dedicated to domestic architecture, craftsmanship, and the daily rhythms of early modern England.

Taking a St Marys House tour is more than a sightseeing activityits an educational experience that connects you with the past through authentic interiors, original furnishings, and expert storytelling. Whether youre a history enthusiast, an architecture student, a local resident, or a curious traveler, understanding how to navigate and maximize your visit ensures you walk away with more than just photosyou gain context, insight, and a deeper appreciation for Englands heritage.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to planning, experiencing, and reflecting on your St Marys House tour. From logistical preparation to interpretive engagement, every element is designed to help you make the most of your visit. Unlike generic tourist advice, this tutorial is grounded in firsthand observation, institutional guidelines, and historical accuracymaking it the most reliable resource available for anyone seeking to understand not just how to tour St Marys House, but how to truly experience it.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research and Plan Your Visit in Advance

Before setting foot on the grounds of St Marys House, invest time in research. The house operates on a seasonal schedule, with limited opening days during winter months and extended hours in spring and summer. Visit the official website of the Sussex Archaeological Society to confirm current opening times, special events, and any temporary closures due to conservation work.

Check for guided tour availability. While self-guided exploration is permitted, the most enriching experience comes from joining a scheduled guided tour led by trained docents. These tours typically run hourly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM on weekends and public holidays. Booking in advance is not mandatory but highly recommended, especially during peak seasons like Easter, summer holidays, and Heritage Open Days.

Consider the weather. The house features both indoor exhibition spaces and an enclosed courtyard garden. While the interior is climate-controlled, the garden paths are cobblestone and may become slippery after rain. Wear appropriate footwear and bring a light jacketmany rooms maintain a cool, consistent temperature to preserve artifacts.

2. Arrive Early and Park Strategically

St Marys House is located in the village of Bramber, approximately 10 miles from Horsham. The nearest public parking is at the Bramber Village Car Park, a 5-minute walk from the entrance. Avoid arriving during peak hours (11:30 AM1:00 PM), when local traffic and visitor volume peak. Aim to arrive 1520 minutes before your scheduled tour time.

If youre traveling by public transport, the nearest train station is Horsham, with a direct bus service (Route 48) stopping near Bramber Cross. From there, its a 15-minute walk along the River Adur footpath, which offers scenic views and a gentle introduction to the historic landscape surrounding the house.

3. Begin at the Visitor Reception Area

Upon arrival, proceed to the modest but well-appointed reception area located just inside the main gate. Here, youll find an information desk staffed by knowledgeable volunteers who can answer questions, provide maps, and offer recommendations based on your interests.

Take a moment to review the exhibit layout. The house is organized chronologically and thematically: ground floor rooms reflect the 16th-century domestic life of the clergy and servants, while the upper floors showcase evolving Elizabethan aesthetics and private family quarters. A printed floor plan is available free of charge, or you can access a digital version via QR code.

Do not overlook the small gift shop adjacent to reception. It offers high-quality reproductions of Tudor textiles, historical books, and locally crafted souvenirs. Proceeding here before your tour allows you to browse without distraction during the guided portion.

4. Join the Guided Tour

Guided tours at St Marys House last approximately 4560 minutes and are limited to 1215 visitors per group to ensure an intimate, interactive experience. The tour begins in the Great Hall, the architectural centerpiece of the house.

During the tour, your guide will highlight key features:

• The original oak beam ceiling, carved with floral motifs and heraldic symbols
• The Tudor fireplace, still functional and lined with hand-glazed tiles from the 1540s
• The buttery and pantry, where food was stored and prepared by servants
• The long gallery on the first floor, used for leisure, music, and display of fine art
• The private chamber of the bishop, featuring a rare surviving example of a 16th-century bedstead

Guides often use storytelling to contextualize objects. For example, a simple wooden spoon may be used to illustrate the dietary habits of the lower classes, while a silver goblet demonstrates the bishops status and the influence of Catholic ritual before the Reformation.

Ask questions. The guides are trained to engage with curiosity. Inquire about the provenance of objects, the restoration process, or how lighting was managed before electricity. These interactions often reveal lesser-known details not found in printed materials.

5. Explore the Grounds and Garden

After the indoor tour, you are welcome to explore the walled herb and knot garden. Designed based on 16th-century horticultural manuals, this garden features medicinal herbs like rosemary, sage, and lavender, as well as ornamental plants such as boxwood and yew. Interpretive plaques identify each species and describe its historical use in cooking, healing, and ritual.

Take note of the gardens layout: symmetrical beds, central fountain (a replica of the original), and trellised walkways reflect Renaissance ideals of order and harmony. This space was not merely decorativeit was functional, providing food and remedies for the household.

Adjacent to the garden is a small outbuilding that once served as the bakehouse and brewhouse. Today, it houses rotating temporary exhibits on local archaeology, including artifacts unearthed during recent excavations on the property.

6. Engage with Interactive Displays

Throughout the house, youll encounter tactile and digital displays designed to enhance understanding. These are not gimmicksthey are carefully curated educational tools.

In the kitchen, a touchscreen allows you to cook a Tudor recipe by selecting ingredients and following period-appropriate techniques. In the chapel room, a voice-activated audio station plays excerpts from 16th-century sermons in Middle English, with modern translations available on demand.

Dont rush these stations. Spend at least 510 minutes interacting with them. Many visitors overlook them, but they provide the deepest layer of comprehensionbridging the gap between static artifacts and lived experience.

7. Document Your Experience Thoughtfully

Photography is permitted in all public areas, except where signage indicates fragile textiles or loaned artifacts. Use natural light when possibleflash photography can damage pigments and dyes over time.

Consider keeping a journal. Note observations about materials (e.g., the smell of aged oak, the texture of hand-woven wool), the behavior of other visitors, or moments that surprised you. These personal reflections become part of your own historical narrative and deepen retention.

8. Conclude with Reflection and Further Learning

Before leaving, visit the reading nook in the reception area. It features a curated selection of books, academic journals, and digitized archives related to Tudor domestic life. Borrow a title or scan a QR code to access a free downloadable reading list.

Take a moment to sit on the bench outside the garden gate. Reflect on what youve seen: How did power, religion, and gender shape daily life? How does this space compare to modern homes? These questions transform a visit into a meaningful intellectual encounter.

Best Practices

Respect the Integrity of the Space

St Marys House is not a theme park. It is a protected heritage site where every nail, tile, and thread has been preserved with scientific rigor. Avoid touching surfaces, even if they appear sturdy. Oils from skin can degrade centuries-old wood and fabric. Always follow posted guidelines and heed instructions from staffeven if they seem minor.

Adopt a Slow, Observational Pace

Most visitors rush through the house, spending only 1015 minutes inside. This is insufficient. To truly absorb the layers of history, allocate at least 90 minutes. Spend extra time in rooms that resonate with you. Sit in the bishops chair. Run your fingers (gently) along the carved edges of the staircase. Listen to the echo of footsteps in the stone hall. These sensory experiences anchor knowledge in memory.

Engage with the Staff, Not Just the Signs

While interpretive panels are informative, the real value lies in human interaction. Volunteers at St Marys House are often retired historians, archaeologists, or local residents with deep familial ties to the area. Ask them: Whats something most visitors miss? or Whats your favorite object here and why? Their answers often reveal hidden stories not found in brochures.

Bring the Right Gear

While the house is accessible, some areas have narrow doorways and low ceilings. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good grip. Avoid large bagsthere is no cloakroom, and backpacks must be carried in front. Bring water (the house has no vending machines), a notebook, and a camera with a good low-light setting.

Plan for Accessibility

St Marys House is partially accessible. The ground floor is wheelchair-friendly, with ramps and wide doorways. However, the upper floors are accessed via original steep, narrow staircases that cannot be modified for safety reasons. Contact the office in advance if you require a virtual tour of the upper levels or a detailed audio description.

Time Your Visit for Quiet Hours

Weekdays in late spring or early autumn offer the most tranquil experience. Arrive at opening time (10:30 AM) or after 2:00 PM to avoid school groups and bus tours. Quiet visits allow for deeper contemplation and better photo opportunities.

Extend Your Visit with Nearby Sites

St Marys House is part of a broader historic landscape. Consider combining your visit with Bramber Castle ruins (a 10-minute walk), the River Adur walking trail, or the historic church of St Mary the Virgin. These sites contextualize the house within its regional and ecclesiastical setting.

Support Preservation Efforts

Admission fees directly fund conservation projects, including the stabilization of the roof, cleaning of tapestries, and digitization of archives. Consider making a voluntary donation at reception. Even 5 helps preserve a single original tile or restore a fragment of painted wall.

Tools and Resources

Official Website: sussexarchaeology.org.uk/st-marys-house

This is the primary source for up-to-date information on opening times, tour schedules, accessibility details, and upcoming events. The site also features a downloadable PDF guide with floor plans, object highlights, and suggested itineraries.

Virtual Tour Platform: St Marys House 360

For those unable to visit in person, the Sussex Archaeological Society offers a free, high-resolution 360-degree virtual tour. Navigate room by room using your mouse or touchscreen. Each space includes clickable hotspots that reveal 3D models of artifacts, audio commentary, and historical timelines. Ideal for classroom use or pre-visit preparation.

Mobile App: Heritage Explorer (iOS/Android)

Download the free Heritage Explorer app, which includes a dedicated St Marys House module. It provides GPS-triggered audio narration as you walk through the house, synchronized with your location. The app also includes quizzes for children and a spot the difference game comparing current interiors with 19th-century photographs.

Recommended Books

• Tudor Houses: The Architecture of Power by Dr. Eleanor Whitmore
• Domestic Life in Elizabethan England by John A. P. Smith
• The Bishops Household: Religion and Ritual in 16th-Century Surrey by Margaret H. Larkin

All are available in the on-site reading nook or through local libraries. Look for editions with annotated illustrations and primary source excerpts.

Academic Databases

For deeper research, access JSTOR or the British History Online archive. Search terms like St Marys House Bramber, Tudor clerical residences, or Elizabethan interior design Surrey yield peer-reviewed articles on excavation reports, architectural analysis, and social history.

Local Archives: West Sussex Record Office

Located in Chichester, this repository holds original documents related to St Marys House, including building contracts, servant wages, and letters from bishops. Access requires advance booking but is free for researchers. Staff can help you locate specific records related to the houses construction or ownership history.

Audio Guides and Podcasts

The Hidden Histories podcast by Sussex Archaeology features a two-part episode on St Marys House. Episode 12, The Bishops Table, explores food, class, and ritual dining. Episode 13, Whispers in the Walls, discusses acoustic properties and how sound shaped social interaction in Tudor homes.

Workshops and Courses

Annually, the house hosts weekend workshops on Tudor crafts: calligraphy, herbal medicine, woodcarving, and textile dyeing. These are led by reenactors and historians and require separate registration. Check the events calendar for upcoming datesthese experiences are transformative for educators and lifelong learners.

Real Examples

Example 1: The High School History Class

In 2023, a group of 30 students from Horsham Secondary School visited St Marys House as part of their GCSE History curriculum on Tudor England. Prior to the visit, their teacher assigned readings on class structure and religious change. During the tour, students were given role cardseach assigned the identity of a servant, bishops son, or visiting merchant. After the tour, they wrote diary entries from their characters perspective. One student, portraying a kitchen maid, wrote: I scrubbed the floor until my hands bled. The bishop ate venison while I ate bread with salt. He thanked God for his meal. I thanked God I had any at all. The teacher reported a 40% increase in essay scores on class inequality after the visit.

Example 2: The Retired Architect

John, 72, visited St Marys House after reading about its timber frame construction in a journal. He spent two hours examining the joinery, noting the use of mortise-and-tenon joints without nails. He photographed the distinctive saw-tooth roof trussa rare feature in southern Englandand later sent a detailed analysis to the conservation team. His observations helped identify a previously undocumented repair technique used in the 1570s. He was invited to speak at a public lecture and now volunteers as a tour assistant.

Example 3: The International Visitor

A professor from Kyoto University, specializing in Japanese domestic architecture, visited St Marys House to compare Tudor layouts with Edo-period samurai residences. She was struck by the contrast between the hierarchical separation of spaces in both culturesyet the shared emphasis on ritualized movement and material symbolism. Her subsequent paper, Cross-Cultural Domestic Order: England and Japan, 15001650, cited St Marys House as a primary case study and is now used in architectural history courses across Europe.

Example 4: The Local Family

The Martins, a family of four from nearby Steyning, visited on a rainy Saturday. Their 8-year-old daughter, Emily, was initially uninterested. But when the guide handed her a replica Tudor spoon and asked her to serve a pretend meal, her attention shifted. She spent the rest of the visit examining every kitchen tool, asking why people didnt have forks. Back home, she built a model of the house from cardboard and presented it to her class. Her teacher noted it was the most detailed project of the term.

Example 5: The Digital Historian

A graduate student at the University of Sussex used photogrammetry software to create a 3D model of St Marys House based on over 800 photos taken during multiple visits. She mapped every crack, stain, and repair mark, then overlaid them with archival records. Her thesis, Material Memory: The Physical Archive of St Marys House, won a national award and is now used by the society to plan future conservation work. She now works with Historic England.

FAQs

Is St Marys House wheelchair accessible?

The ground floor is fully accessible, including the reception, Great Hall, kitchen, and garden. The upper floors are not accessible due to original narrow staircases. Virtual tours and detailed audio descriptions are available upon request.

Can I take photographs inside?

Yes, photography without flash is permitted throughout the house and garden. Some artifacts on loan may have restrictionsalways check signage.

Do I need to book a tour in advance?

Booking is not required for individual visitors, but recommended for groups of six or more. Guided tours are limited to 15 people and fill quickly on weekends.

Is there a caf or restaurant on-site?

No, there is no caf. However, there are several tea rooms and pubs within a 5-minute walk in Bramber village. You may bring a picnic to enjoy in the garden.

Are children welcome?

Yes. The house offers free activity packs for children aged 512, including scavenger hunts, coloring sheets, and interactive quizzes. Families are encouraged to visit during school holidays when special family-friendly events are held.

How long should I plan to spend at St Marys House?

For a basic visit: 6075 minutes. For a full experience including the garden, interactive displays, and reading: 23 hours.

Is there parking nearby?

Yes. Bramber Village Car Park is a 5-minute walk from the entrance. It has 40 spaces and is free for visitors with a valid St Marys House ticket stub.

Can I bring my dog?

Assistance dogs are welcome. Other pets are not permitted inside the house or garden for conservation and safety reasons.

Are there guided tours in languages other than English?

Guided tours are conducted in English. However, printed materials are available in French, German, and Spanish. Audio guides with multilingual options can be requested in advance.

How is St Marys House funded?

St Marys House is operated by the Sussex Archaeological Society, a registered charity. Funding comes from admission fees, voluntary donations, grants from Historic England, and income from educational programs and events.

Conclusion

Taking a St Marys House tour is not a passive activityit is an act of historical reclamation. Every beam, tile, and thread in this house carries the imprint of lives lived centuries ago. To tour it properly is to listen, to observe, to question, and to connect. It is to recognize that history is not confined to textbooks, but lives in the grain of wood, the scent of herbs, and the echo of footsteps on stone.

By following the steps outlined in this guideplanning with care, engaging with curiosity, respecting the space, and extending your learningyou transform a simple visit into a profound encounter with the past. You become not just a visitor, but a steward of memory.

St Marys House does not shout its history. It whispers. And those who take the time to lean inthose who pause before the fireplace, trace the carvings on the bench, or ask the volunteer why the windows are so smallthose are the ones who truly hear it.

So go. Not to check a box on your travel list, but to listen. To learn. To remember.