West Bromwich Manor House or Bromwich Hall is now probably one of the most important surviving medieval timber framed buildings in the Midlands and the most recent building to become part of Sandwell Museum Service. The construction of its great hall is thought to be the earliest of this type of construction in the country in a standing building.
Over its 750 year history Bromwich Hall has been the home of a number of notable residents including the Solicitor General to Charles I. It has also been the home of ordinary families when it became tenements in the later 1800s. The site was a public house from the 1960s and when it first opened was an extremely prestigious venue, where footballers and VIPs would dine. The pub closed in 2009 and the building is now back in the guardianship of Sandwell Council and looked after by Sandwell Museum Service.
For more information about the history of the hall and a photograph, please refer to the Society's January Newsletter pages 14-15.
Cost £7.50, including tea/coffee. To book a place send your cheque, made payable to 'SA&HS', to Richard Totty, Rock Cottage, Redhill, Rugeley, WS15 4LL, with your contact details.
Please note:
* Bromwich Hall does not offer any disabled access to the house or the grounds other than the Great Hall via a ramp. On the tour, there are instances of steep stairways, uneven floors, low doorways and low-lit areas.
* Sensible footwear should be worn at all times, heeled shoes are not recommended.
The Manor House is at Hall Green Road, West Bromwich, B71 2EA.
So, a chance for what should be an interesting and enjoyable Society excursion. Book early to be sure of your place.
