Historic site set for major repairs
Bromwich Hall, one of Sandwell’s most treasured historic landmarks, has received a £200,000 grant to fund urgent restoration work.
The Grade I listed site, also known as the Manor House, dates back to around 1270 and is currently run as a museum by Sandwell Council.
The funding will allow essential repairs to the roof, drainage, timber frame and panels, safeguarding the building’s future and paving the way for its removal from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.
Heritage at risk
The timber-framed hall in Hall Green Road is one of only three Grade I listed sites in the borough, alongside Galton Bridge in Smethwick and Oak House in West Bromwich.
Once a public house and restaurant until its closure in 2009, Bromwich Hall has long been a focal point of local history and community activity. Significant restoration in the mid-20th century saved the structure from decline, but recent years have seen growing concern over its condition.
Local pride
Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Sandwell Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for neighbourhoods and community, welcomed the funding: “We’re very proud of our historic buildings in Sandwell which are at the heart of our communities. This investment will allow us to complete urgent conservation and repair work on Bromwich Hall… preventing further damage to this important local landmark.”
Hartwell said the hall, which hosts community events and educational visits throughout the year, is “greatly valued” and remains central to local life.
Backed by Historic England
The grant comes from the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, managed by Historic England and financed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The scheme targets sites most in need of urgent action to stop further deterioration.
Louise Brennan, director of regions at Historic England, said: “We’re thrilled to support projects that harness the power of heritage to make a real difference where it’s needed most.”
Work is expected to begin later this year, with the aim of securing the hall’s long-term future and ensuring it remains a place for learning, culture and community.
For Sandwell, the funding represents both a lifeline for a vulnerable landmark and a step towards celebrating and protecting the borough’s rich heritage.
