Gloucester residents and visitors now have the unique opportunity to explore one of the city’s best-kept secrets hidden behind a “magic” door on Westgate Street. The restoration of the Tudor merchant’s house at 26 Westgate Street, the largest surviving timber-framed Tudor townhouse in England, is officially complete.
The Grade I listed building, which dates back to the late 16th century, has been a significant part of Gloucester’s heritage but had been listed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register since 2012 due to its deteriorating condition. Thanks to a grant exceeding £314,000 from Historic England, the extensive restoration work has revitalised this historic gem. The building is also home to the Gloucester Antiques Centre.
On May 6, Gloucester Mayor Lorraine Campbell celebrated the reopening by cutting the ribbon at the door to Maverdine Lane. She acknowledged the project as a perfect example of the right people coming together at the right time. “Gloucester is blessed with remarkable heritage regeneration that protects and preserves the gems we have in our city for generations to come,” Mayor Campbell said.
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She fondly referred to the building as a “secret gem” and shared how the “magic door” had often been closed in the past, keeping this historic marvel hidden from many. Now, the door stands permanently open, welcoming all to admire the building’s rich history and stunning restoration. Mayor Campbell also recalled fond memories of gatherings and visits with friends, underscoring the building’s longstanding community significance.
Andrew Malone, owner of 26 Westgate Street, described the project as “wonderful” and praised the efficient restoration completed on a budget much lower than initially anticipated. Originally estimated at £750,000 in 2015, the project cost just over £400,000, successfully securing the building’s removal from the Heritage at Risk register. Malone expressed gratitude to Historic England, builder D A Cook Limited, Gloucester City Council, and Gloucester Antiques Centre for their roles in this achievement.
Mick Cant, representing Gloucester Antiques Centre, highlighted the centre’s importance to the city for the past 45 years and celebrated the restoration that ensures the preservation of such an iconic building. He applauded the refurbishment and noted the building’s resplendent Tudor colours, which happen to complement the antiques centre’s traditional palette.
Chris Miners from Historic England emphasized the historical significance of the townhouse, hidden behind a modest early 19th-century façade. “It’s the largest historic timber-framed townhouse in England, and many people don’t realize it’s here,” he explained. Visible from Westgate Street is a rare gargoyle peeking from the timber frame—a reminder of the building’s architectural evolution over centuries.
Miners highlighted the two main phases of construction: the Tudor section dating back to the 1580s at the rear, and the front range from the 1620s. He praised the harmonious use of the building by the antiques centre, which perfectly complements the untouched 300-year-old interior features, preserving both the structure and its treasures for future generations.