What is it?

An accurate replica of the kind of bed that wealthy cloth merchant John Stanford would have owned when he lived in this house in the 1500s. The mattress is stuffed with straw and rests on ropes tied across the wooden frame. These ropes often went saggy and had to be tightened regularly, which is where the phrase "sleep tight" comes from! It is smaller than many modern beds because most people were shorter in Tudor times. And by today's standards, it wouldn't have been very comfortable! It is known as a "truckle" or "trundle" bed because it has a smaller bed underneath it that can be pulled out for guests or children to sleep on. Beds were expensive in Tudor times, and people often left their bed to someone they loved in their will. In William Shakespeare's will, he famously left his wife his "second best bed"! The bed is in the bedroom of a real Tudor townhouse and contains typical Tudor furniture including a clothes chest, a desk and writing materials.

Where is it?

You can find it at The Folk of Gloucester

In the front room on the top floor. Ask a volunteer or a member of staff if you're not sure how to find it - they are very friendly and happy to help!

When can I see it?

You can see this right now!

Can I collect it?

Yes! You can collect this item until 26/03/2029