Other Places from the Past: Blakesley Hall
Volunteers at The Weaver’s House enjoy visiting other interesting places. In this guest post, volunteer Tina shares her visit to Blakesley Hall, a historical counterpoint to The Weaver’s House.
Blakesley Hall is part of the Birmingham museums and art galleries. Like The Weavers House it has Grade II* listing and is well worth the trip to Yardley to compare the lifestyle of a wealthier Tudor family with the Crokes of Upper Spon Street.
It was built in 1590 and is one of Birmingham’s oldest buildings. It also has a large garden. The house has a timber frame construction and many interesting features. The kitchen is full of fascinating equipment and contains an intriguing mouse trap – unless you happen to be a mouse! Due to the status of the owners it has many more rooms than in our little house and all reveal clues to a bygone lifestyle.
The “painted chamber” is a remarkable survivor from when the house was built and the gallery has a fabulous wonky floor. The site was open for a special Tudor weekend with all sorts of entertainments in the garden when I visited but would be good on any day. There is plenty of parking and a tea room.
Photo credit: Birmingham Museums.
