One of Marlborough high street’s most iconic buildings has been given the go-ahead for visitors to re-enter the site, boosting tourism in the town.

The Merchant’s house is now set to be open in mid-June after it was closed in mid-March due to structural concerns in the building.

The decision followed a detailed inspection of the whole house which is listed as a Grade II property and is located in the centre of Marlborough’s high street.

This was carried out by the Trust’s consultant architect and structural engineers. was its first such survey in 20 years.

The only significant problems they identified were slight movements in the Great Staircase and the two fireplaces in the Panelled Room, all of which had been observed earlier by Trust staff.

Props have now been inserted to secure everything and ensure that visitors can once again enjoy the whole house. The architect and structural engineers are now designing permanent supporting fixtures which will be installed later this year.

Alison Galvin-Wright, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, said “This two months closure has been unfortunate and we regret the inconvenience it has caused. But we have now got the green light to re-open the house and will be doing so very soon.

“We are most grateful to Marlborough Town Council and St Peter’s Trust for enabling us to relocate some of our regular programme of events.”

Kim Wakeham, Trust Manager, added: ”I am most grateful to all our staff and volunteers for their understanding and full co-operation during this unexpected experience. We are all keen to resume normal operations.”

The house typically offers school visits, organises events, and also set up a Marlborough Museum as part of its commitment to the Town.

Several people celebrated the news on the house’s Facebook page in response to the reopening.

One of the town’s residents noted: ‘It's the 17th century, it's doing very well after a fire and so many years.’

The 17th century Silk Merchant’s house’s significance dates back to when it was built following the Great Fire of Marlborough in 1653 which destroyed the majority of the medieval and Tudor town.

It was also home to Thomas Bayly, a silk mercer and prominent Marlborough citizen, who also ran his business and brought his family up there.

The house was also once sub-divided and sublet, with around two-thirds of it becoming a printer’s and stationer’s business and later purchased by W H Smith in 1926.