Hall will undergo £420,000 makeover

Rotten, damp and crumbling stonework at a Midland stately home will be restored to its former glory in a £420,000 repairs programme, it has been revealed.

English Heritage has awarded £210,000 for the works expected to be completed at Hagley Hall, near Stourbridge, by April next year. The hall has provided the rest of the cash.

Lord Cobham today welcomed a "hugely exciting and important project, not only for my family but for the history of Hagley Hall and our region".

Decades standing against the elements have been blamed for erosion to the stonework of the 18th century hall. The decorative stone stairs which run up to the front door have been affected particularly badly as well as stone which runs across the top of the stately home.The Grade I listed building is made out of Bromsgrove stone which is no longer quarried so architects have sourced a harder wearing substitute from Cheshire for the restoration works.

Lord Cobham paid tribute to English Heritage for funding the scheme.

"Hagley Hall has been an integral part of our local community for 250 years," he said. "Without the help of English Heritage this vital restoration work wouldn't have been possible."

English Heritage Historic Buildings Inspector Nick Molyneux said he was "delighted" to be able to contribute to the conservation of the hall.

Built between 1754 and 1760, Hagley Hall was created for British politician and patron of the arts Lord George Lyttleton.