THIS is the first glimpse inside Southampton’s newly refurbished Tudor House.

After a restoration project costing nearly £8m the public will be allowed back inside the city’s most famous house this weekend.

The historic house and its gardens have been fully restored to tell its story from medieval and Tudor times to its recent incarnation as a much loved public museum.

Workers are making the finishing touches to the 15th century building whose rich history will be brought to life with interactive rotating computer screens making their world premier, an audio tour, and displays of period artefacts in each room.

The Tudor building was recreated as near to its assumed original state as was possible, with the ground floor frontage completely restored.

Visitors will view a film show in the house’s banqueting hall from where they can explore replica Victorian and Tudor kitchens on the ground floor. Information boards have images that move as visitors pass them.

On the first floor trade, prosperity and Southampton’s medieval slums are explored alongside an exhibition space. A Georgian style room will be available to hire for conferences.

One of the highlights is the graffiti discovered on a wall dating back to around 1570, when the house stood near the waterfront. There are more than 25 ships pictured, as well as caricatures of people and animals from the time.

A Second World War air raid shelter has been recreated in one the house’s cellars.

The gardens, laid out in the 1980s in a Tudor Knot style, have been extensively replanted and now feature a new interpretation panel and model of the Old Town’s 17th century street pattern.

Visitors will be able to relax and enjoy the garden views from a new cafe, serving locally-sourced produce, or wander to look down into a courtyard in the remains of King John’s Palace, a former merchant house. Full accessible toilets have also been installed.

Councillor John Hannides, Cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: “It has been a true labour of love restoring this 500-year-old building to its former glory.

“Now, thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund and the continued investment from Southampton City Council in our Old Town, future generations will be able to enjoy a new and improved museum of the 21st century for years to come.”