Martock Treasurer's House

Martock Treasurer's House

The Martock Treasurer's House is one of the oldest inhabited houses in Somerset, dating to the early 13th century. The house was built as a parsonage serving All Saint's Church across the road. In 1227 the parsonage was purchased by Hugh, the Treasurer of Wells Cathedral, hence the name 'Treasurer's House'.

The Treasurer then became the patron and the rector of All Saints. The house was later owned by the Bishop of Bath and Wells and was known as Martock Priory.

The path to the 15th-century gateway

History

The first recorded mention of the house comes from 1226, but the oldest part of the current building is the Solar Block, built around 1250. The solar block was covered in limewash during the 16th century, and when the limewash was removed it revealed a section of 13th-century wall painting depicting a Crucifixion scene.

In 1293 a Great Hall was built at a right angle to the solar so that the building now resembles a T. To this a small kitchen was added in the 15th century.

The recreated medieval garden

Surrounding the house is a recreated medieval garden, lushly planted with varieties of plants that were popular in the medieval period. The garden is reached through a nicely carved 15th-century gateway of Ham stone.

The Treasurer's House stands directly across the street from Martock's wonderful medieval church, which is well worth a visit.