An eighteenth-century townhouse in Salisbury will once again be throwing open its doors and drawers to the public this autumn.
The National Trust team at Mompesson House, in Salisbury’s Cathedral Close, are preparing to welcome visitors for a different view of the house and collection.
From September 8 to November 3, the Hepplewhite Rudd dressing table and a Victorian worktable will be some of the items on display, and visitors will also be able to see inside decorated cabinets and secret cupboards.
From Sunday, September 8, to Tuesday, September 10, Mompesson will be taking part in Heritage Open Days, offering free entry to everyone without the need for booking.
After September 20, alongside the open drawers and doors, information about the house's suppliers will be available.
Visitors can learn how supplies arrived at the house, and what the families and servants ordered, ranging from make-up to tea.
Visitor experience officer, Jennifer Grene, said: "We love letting people see inside some of the fragile but beautiful objects we look after, and this year it’s lovely to be able to link stories to them.
"Our focus on the people who helped Mompesson House run behind the scenes will finish with people who weren’t part of the household – the door-to-door salespeople and local farmers who made life in a townhouse possible."
Outside, in Mompesson's garden, the first signs of autumn are beginning to appear.
The dahlias are in full bloom and the golden rain tree in the corner of the lawn is starting to show its lantern-shaped fruit pods.
Summer games will carry on in the garden as long as the good weather lasts, and a free family trail is available in the house.
The tea room serves a range of sweet and savoury treats including cream teas, soup, sandwiches, cakes and bakes, and there is also a second hand bookshop in the courtyard.
Mompesson House, which has been in the hands of the National Trust since 1975, is open from Friday to Tuesday, from 11am to 4pm, with last entry at 3.30pm.
There is no need to book in advance and there are two parking spaces for Blue Badge holders, which can be booked in advance by calling 01722 335659.
The nearest long stay car park is Old George Mall. Those who are looking to visit with a group can call and the team will help to accommodate them.
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