Historic 13th century manor house to get £70,000 ring of steel

Nov 25 2009 by Chris Henwood, Birmingham Mail

AN HISTORIC Midland house dating back to the 13th century is to be protected with a £70,000 ring of steel.

Sandwell Council has started fitting security fencing around the Manor House, in Hall Green Road, West Bromwich.

The fencing, which has been specially-designed to be sympathetic with the historic property, is being installed because of recent vandal attacks, which have also seen it given 24-hour security for the past year.

The move has been welcomed by West Bromwich MP Tom Watson, who said: “I am pleased that work is going ahead on putting a strong security fence in because it is unthinkable that this wonderful and beautiful black-and-white building could be destroyed by wanton vandalism.

“It has stood the test of time over hundreds of years and has been looked after generation by generation, and it would be tragic if it was severely damaged now.”

The high quality fencing – which meets the stringent specifications of English Heritage – has been manufactured by Sandwell experts Brooks Forgings of Rowley Regis.

The moated building was given round-the-clock security after Marston’s brewery pulled out last year, sparking Mr Watson’s fears about its security and future.

The Grade I-listed building is said to be haunted by three different spirits and over the years a number of paranormal groups have held all-night vigils there.

Negotiations are under way to return the site – saved from demolition by the former West Bromwich Corporation in the 1950s – to the control of Sandwell Council with a plan to develop the timber-framed complex as a heritage visitor attraction.

“This is a treasure and it can be used for the benefit of the community and should be left in good conditions for generations to come,” added Mr Watson.