The Black and White House is a remarkably well-preserved example of a 17th Century timber-framed building and is situated in the heart of Hereford, surrounded by the commercial centre of the city. It is a startling sight, standing as the sole reminder of times gone by in the middle of a modern shopping precinct.

Built-in 1621, the house has been used for many purposes over the years, starting life as a butcher’s home and shop and finishing its commercial life in the hands of Lloyds Bank in the late 1920s. Since 1929 it has been a fascinating museum giving an insight into daily life in Jacobean times. It is furnished in period style with an internationally important collection of English oak furniture and there are interesting pieces in every room. Of particular interest to many visitors are the rare wall paintings, the four-poster bed and the baby-walkers.

There are hands-on activities for children including replica clothing and puzzles.

For those unable to climb the stairs, a virtual tour is situated on the fully-accessible ground floor. There are also Braille and tactile images for the blind and visually impaired.