About King John’s House and Museum
The buildings have a long, complex and sometimes contested history and have been used in many different ways during the site’s over 800 years of occupation. The House and Cottage are of architectural interest but the buildings have also been the homes and workplaces of many fascinating people.
The site comprises a medieval house, known as King John’s House, with attached Tudor Cottage and a 19th Century building that once housed the local sporting goods and gun shop, and was home to the Moody family. The medieval House and Tudor Cottage are surrounded by the period-style King John’s Garden, which provides a beautiful backdrop to the buildings and to Miss Moody’s Tudor Tea Room. The 19th Century building houses a small Museum.
Like most heritage organisations the Trust relies heavily on volunteers to deliver its charitable mission and volunteers are an important part of the community that we are building around the House and Museum. Volunteers are important ambassadors for the Trust.
About the Volunteer Tour Guide Role
The site can be difficult to interpret because it has such a rich history. Guided tours therefore form an important facet of the visitor experience. Tour guides bring the story of the House and the people who lived and worked in and around it to life. As a tour guide you would lead individual visitors or small groups around the buildings, garden (weather permitting) and Museum. The number of tours may vary according to the season and, on days when there are no tours; you would act as a Costumed Interpreter. You will receive initial training in working as a guide and interpreter and on-going mentoring and training. This is supported by materials to help you to understand the history of the buildings and the stories of the people who lived and working in them.
About You
We are looking for confident, engaging people who are able to share an interest in history with audiences of diverse age and background.
What Next?
If you would like to join our team or have any questions please contact Sarah Hargreaves, Deputy Manager (Volunteer Coordinator) * deputymanagerkjh@aol.com (01794 512200 or click on and complete the application form below. We look forward to hearing from you.
For information about our annual volunteer recruitment events where you can come and learn more about the Trust and meet the Team visit our website or follow us @kingjohnshouse on twitter and facebook.
Role Definition and Person Profile
Role: Volunteer Tour Guide
Reports to: Deputy Manager, King John’s House and Museum
As a tour guide you would lead individual visitors or small groups around the buildings, garden (weather permitting) and Museum. Tour Guides will normally be dressed in an appropriate period costume. The number of tours may vary according to the season and, on days when there are no tours; you would act as a Costumed Interpreter.
What We Expect From You
- Act as an ambassador for the Trust through a knowledge of and contribution to its work
- Act always in the interests of the Trust
- Engage effectively with colleagues and visitors
- Work in a safe way when on site
- Contribute actively to the assurance of the safety of visitors and colleagues
- Follow relevant policies and procedures
- Engage fully in required training and personal development
- Develop a knowledge of the history of the buildings and the people associated with the site
We ask volunteers to commit a minimum of two to three hours of their time per week, although many devote more.
What You Can Expect From King John’s House and Museum
- Structured training and mentoring appropriate to your role
- A handbook that explains your role and key information about the site
- A developing, supportive community of volunteers
- Opportunities to engage with the broad work of the House and Museum
- Personal Development
- Occasional social events and meeting with other volunteers
- Some free and discounted talks and events
- Free refreshments while working on site and discounts from the Tea Room at other times
- A professional reference is available following a minimum of six months of engagement
Your Skills and Attributes
We are always looking for people who have the potential to develop fully into a role. However we generally look for people who:
- Have well developed interpersonal skills
- Are able to work effectively independently, under supervision and as part of a team
- Are enthusiastic and well motivated
- Can provide consistently high levels of customer service