MAYOR of Marlborough, Coun Margaret Boulton, officially opened a newly-restored room at the Merchant's House in the High Street which will be used to display artefacts related to the history of the town.

At the opening last Tuesday, Coun Boulton praised the trustees of the Merchant's House for reaching this latest development in the restoration of the premises, the larger part of which is owned by Marlborough Town Council and let to the Merchant's House Trust on a peppercorn rent.

She noted that the trustees have embarked on the restoration of 17th century silk merchant Thomas Bayley's study and a bedchamber on the second floor, which will further the aim of restoring the 17th century house to its original condition.

Conservators have discovered the remnants of a painted wall decoration in the bedchamber, which will be fully revealed by conservation experts under the direction of English Heritage, which controls the restoration of this grade II* listed property.

The exhibition room is presently showing a small exhibition of Marlborough in the Second World War, which is open on Thursdays until the end of September from 2pm to 4pm. Admission is free.