The original house was constructed in the early 13th century, and was extended with the Georgian frontage added to the original building between 1670 and 1725. Priory House was built on the site of Dunstable Priory’s Hospitium, a guest house for travellers.  The ground floor includes a 13th-century groyne vaulted stone ceiling as well as an original Tudor fireplace.

The property was used for private offices for a number of years before going out of use. Dunstable Town Council acquired the building and converted it into a heritage and tourist information centre. The conversion included the provision of disabled access, with a lift and ramps at the entrance and to the under croft. Additionally, internal repairs were carried out to the under croft to conserve the building’s fabric and the property was decorated throughout. 

When opened fully in 2006, the building comprised:

• toilets at the basement level
• on the ground floor, a networked Tourist Information Centre, a display of the vaulted stone ceiling within an exhibition room (with changing exhibitions)
• a tea room serving food and hot beverages
• at first floor level, a room for permanent and changing exhibitions, and a meeting room

The mix of facilities has enabled both the local community and visitors to enjoy the heritage of the building while benefitting from the greater selection of activities now available. These activities have included meetings and lectures, as well access to permanent and changing exhibitions, which have embraced the heritage of the building and the people that have been associated with it.

Floor space was restored which improved the condition of the building and enabled public access to a previously unused building. The buildings have been refurbished, however some structural issues are now being experienced which are being addressed.