From the Salisbury Cathedral Close Guide:
"In medieval days the buildings on the north side of St Ann Gate were known as Coleabbey or Copthall.
Their upkeep provided the Dean and Chapter with many headaches. So much so that toward the end of the 14th century
they were paying a canon to occupy and maintain the property. At the beginning of the Civil War Sir George Vaughan, High Sherif of Wiltshire,
was living here and raised forces in the county to support the King.

"In 1660 the Harris family took over the lease and it was James Harris II who was responsible for building the attractive stone ashlar extension seen today.
He was also responsible for introducing George Frederick Handel to Salisbury society. His son, James Harris III, father of the 1st Earl of Malmesbury,
was known as "Hermes Harris", after a book he had published, was responsible for placing the sundial on the south wall of the house in 1749.
The quotation on the sundial is from Shakespeare's play Hamlet. James Harris III introduced the great musical festivals to Salisbury which continue today.

"Mr John Cordle formerly MP for Bournemouth, is the present owner of Malmesbury House
and opens his home to the public from April to September each year."