West Bromwich Tudor Museum Upgraded to Grade I Listed Status

The Oak House, a historic Tudor property and museum located in West Bromwich, has received an upgrade to Grade I listed status. This black-and-white timber-framed structure has been officially acknowledged as a building of “exceptional architectural and historic interest,” according to Sandwell Council. This 16th-century edifice, which may have derived its name from an ancient oak tree that once grew nearby before its destruction by fire, initially obtained Grade II* listed status in 1949. Councillor Suzanne Hartwell commented that the building represents an “important part of our local heritage” and serves as an example of 17th-century design. Last year, Historic England provided a grant of £115,332 for critical repairs to the timber frame and lime-rendered infill panels, work which has recently concluded. Despite these efforts, the structure continues to be listed on the “heritage at risk” register. Louise Brennan, director at Historic England, characterized the house as a “rare survivor” among the “once common timber framed buildings that characterised the region.” Ms. Hartwell further stated: “Over the past three years, Sandwell Council has invested in a range of priority repairs at Oak House, in addition to the emergency repairs funded by Historic England.” She continued, “Oak House Museum is a beautiful building we can be proud of as well as a busy heritage attraction and resource serving our local communities, telling stories and providing opportunities and experiences to explore and discover.” Hartwell confirmed that the council’s investment in building repairs supplemented the funding received from Historic England. For further updates, BBC Birmingham can be followed on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.