Upgrade to historic West Bromwich public building's listing puts it on par with Buckingham Palace

Oak House has been the subject of £115,000 of emergency repair work to the timber frame and lime rendered infill panels, which are now complete. 

Run by Sandwell Council, although it remains on the ‘Heritage at Risk’ register, it joins Bromwich Manor House and Galton Bridge as one of three listed structures in the borough.

Previously Grade II listed since 1949, the black and white timber-framed house which dates to the late 16^th century has been recognised as a building considered to be of exceptional architectural and historic interest to the nation.

Only around 2.5 per cent of listed buildings are Grade I, the highest possible category of recognition, putting the Oak House alongside famous historic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Warwick Castle and Blackpool Tower. 

The house was possibly named after an old oak tree that stood in front of the house, but eventually became hollow with age and was destroyed by fire around 1800.

 Many of the trees of the oak woodland that once surrounded the house were used to make lock-gates for the Birmingham Canal, which was built through West Bromwich. 

A plaque on the wall records that John Wesley – the founder of Methodism - preached in the courtyard in March 1774.

 In 2023, Historic England granted £115,332 for urgent repairs to the timber frame and lime rendered infill panels, which have just been completed after 12 months of onsite works. The building remains on the ‘heritage at risk’ register.

 Historic England regional director, Louise Brennan, said: “The Oak House is truly stunning and when you see it, you’re taken on a trip back through time. 

"It’s a rare survivor of the once common timber-framed buildings that characterised the region. 

"It’s great news that the emergency repair works that we’ve funded are complete, and the first steps have been taken to ensure a sustainable future for this truly magical building.”

Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Sandwell Council deputy leader and cabinet member for Neighbourhoods and Community, said: “Oak House has long been an important part of our local heritage that showcases the craftsmanship and design characteristic of the 1600s. 

"This puts it on the same footing as the nearby Grade I listed Bromwich Hall – also looked after by Sandwell Museums. 

"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.

"I encourage residents and visitors to experience first-hand the rich history of these exceptional buildings and the stories they tell."