The Folk of Gloucester

The Folk of Gloucester is one of the city’s most characterful heritage venues, housed in two beautifully preserved Tudor buildings on Westgate Street. Once the old Tudor Merchant’s House and the former Folk Museum, the site now serves as a lively cultural hub celebrating everyday life, craft traditions and community stories from across Gloucestershire. Its timber‑framed façade, sloping floors and centuries‑old beams make it one of the most atmospheric historic interiors in the city. Inside, visitors can explore a series of immersive rooms that trace how ordinary people lived, worked and celebrated through the ages. The Victorian schoolroom and kitchen recreate domestic life with authentic furniture and tools, while the craft galleries highlight local trades such as leatherworking, weaving and metalwork. One of the most intriguing features is the courtroom, where historic legal proceedings once took place, complete with original fittings. The venue also hosts rotating exhibitions on Gloucester’s social history, from festivals and folk customs to the city’s industrial past. Its courtyard and event spaces often come alive with music, workshops and seasonal fairs, making The Folk of Gloucester not just a museum but a vibrant community meeting place. It’s a warm, hands‑on way to experience the city’s heritage through the stories of the people who shaped it.