Wool House, Southampton

The Wool House, located in Southampton, is a medieval building with a rich history dating back to the late 14th century. Originally constructed to store wool for export to Italy, it played a vital role in the wool trade, which was a key factor in Southampton’s prosperity during the Middle Ages. Wool was shipped from this site to Venice and Genoa in galleys and carracks, symbolizing the city’s thriving maritime economy.

In the early 19th century, the Wool House took on a new role, serving as a prison for French prisoners of war during the Napoleonic Wars. Some of these prisoners even carved their names into the wooden beams, leaving a lasting mark of their presence.

During the early 20th century, the building was occupied by The Moonbeam Engineering Company Limited, which produced motor launches and marine equipment. Edwin Moon, a pioneer of aviation, used a section of the Wool House to design and construct an aircraft, which he successfully flew from what would later become Southampton International Airport in 1910.

In 1966, after being restored by Southampton City Corporation, the Wool House became home to the Southampton Maritime Museum. The museum documented the city’s maritime heritage, including its connection to ocean liners and the RMS Titanic, and remained there until 2012 when it moved to the SeaCity Museum.

In 2013, Element Arts transformed the Wool House into a temporary gallery and arts venue, hosting a variety of live events, workshops, and exhibitions. However, in 2015, the Wool House was given new life once again, reopening as a brewpub and restaurant under the Dancing Man Brewery, blending its historical significance with modern culinary and brewing culture.

The Wool House is a Grade I listed building, and a plaque on its wall honors its centuries-old history, from its origins in the wool trade to its role as a community space today.