Photo: Philip Halling / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Greyfriars is a Grade I listed historic building in Worcestershire, cared for by the National Trust. Read about its history, architecture and gardens, plus how to visit and what's nearby.
About Greyfriars
Greyfriars stands on Friar Street in Worcester's centre, a timber-framed merchant's house built around 1485 for Thomas Grene, a brewer who served as High Bailiff of Worcester.
The building also functioned as a brew-house.
It takes its name from a nearby Franciscan friary, though it was never a religious building itself.
The house came close to demolition in the twentieth century before being saved and later passed to the National Trust, which has cared for it since 1966.
Entry to the garden, café and second-hand bookshop is free, and the house itself is normally seen on a guided tour.
Read more on WikipediaHistory of Greyfriars
The house was built around 1485 for Thomas Grene, a brewer who served as High Bailiff of Worcester between 1493 and 1497, and it also functioned as a brew-house. For years it was thought to have been a guest house for the Franciscan friars whose friary once stood nearby, though that link is no longer accepted. It survived into the twentieth century only after a rescue from planned demolition, and the National Trust took on the property in 1966.
Architecture of Greyfriars
Greyfriars is a timber-framed building typical of a prosperous late medieval merchant's house, with a jettied upper storey facing the street. It is Grade I listed.
Gardens & grounds at Greyfriars
A walled garden behind the house, laid out in a style sympathetic to its period, offers a quiet green space just off Worcester's main shopping street.
Facilities
Plan your visit to Greyfriars
Nearest station: Worcester Foregate Street Rail Station (0.3 miles)
Open for guided tours of the house; garden, café and bookshop available during visiting hours. Check official National Trust website for current opening times.
Places to visit near Greyfriars
St Swithun's Church, Worcester
View St Swithun's Church, Worcester on heritage mapAll Saints Church, Spetchley
View All Saints Church, Spetchley on heritage mapLeigh Court Barn
View Leigh Court Barn on heritage mapSt Michael's Church, Churchill
View St Michael's Church, Churchill on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Greyfriars (WR1) there are 5 historic properties, including 3 churchs, across Churches Conservation Trust, English Heritage and Historic Houses sites.
Within 10 miles of Greyfriars (WR1) there are 13 historic properties, including 5 historic buildings, 5 churchs and 2 historic houses, across Churches Conservation Trust, Historic Houses and National Trust sites.
Within 20 miles of Greyfriars (WR1) there are 43 historic properties, including 15 historic buildings, 13 historic houses and 12 churchs, across Historic Houses, Churches Conservation Trust and National Trust sites.
Facts
A timber-framed merchant's house that nearly fell to demolition, Greyfriars sits on Worcester's high street and has been carefully preserved by the National Trust since the 1960s.
- Type
- historic building
- Location
- Worcestershire, England
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