Blakesley Hall, Birmingham, Birmingham Overview

Blakesley Hall is one of the oldest Tudor Halls converted into a museum located in Birmingham, England. This tourist attraction is famous for its Tudor architecture that dates back to the 16th century. Since it was built, Blakesley Hall was privately owned until the early 20th century, when it was converted into a museum to display the history and the architecture of the medieval mansions of Birmingham. Guided tours are available here. Entry into Blakesley Hall without registering for a guided tour is not permitted.

Most parts of the Blakesley Hall Mansion were damaged in a bomb blast a few years after the museum was inaugurated. However, the building was reconstructed using ancient furnishings from the inventory to recreate a structure closest to the original building. Today, visitors get to see the restored ancient building and also enjoy modern amenities and picturesque surroundings.

Architecture of Blakesley Hall

The medieval architecture of Blakesley Hall belongs to the Tudor period in England. Here, one can see extensive use of darkened timber with wattle and daub infill. The external walls have lime render that is painted white. The building has a traditional herringbone pattern floor and close studding that can be seen on the external walls. Across the hall, visitors can also see a chimney and a 17th-century kitchen block just behind it. The hall and some components of the property like the toilet, parlours, the barn, etc. have undergone modifications to create more exhibition space for the museum.

History of Blakesley Hall

Blakesley Hall was built in 1590 by a native of Yardley, Richard Smalbroke. Back then, Yardley was a part of Worcestershire. The hall served as a farmhouse for him and his family whose main occupation was farming. They had some more buildings on the property in the 16th century which did not last the test of time. In the late 17th century, the Greswolde Family owned the estate until the next 200 years or so. In the late-19th century, one Henry Donne bought the house and renovated it before selling it to the Merry Family, who were the last owners of Blakesley Hall. In 1935, Blakesley Hall was acquired and converted into a museum.

How to Reach Blakesley Hall

Blakesley Hall is located in West Midlands about 11 kilometres away from Birmingham. The attraction is accessible via roadways and railways. Travellers can choose to rent a cab or board a bus heading towards Blakesley Road, West Midlands. The route to Blakesley Hall goes via A 4550/ Towards Birmingham Airport/ Highgate Middleway – A 45 – Holder Road – Hob Moor Road – Clements Road - Blakesley Road.

The network of railways also connects Yardley to the rest of England. The closest railway station to Blakesley Hall is the Yardley Wood Railway Station, located 7.5 kilometres away. From the drop point, travellers need to take the route via Highfield Road – A 4040 – A 34/ Stratford Road – Fox Hollies Road/ A 4040 – A 41/ Stockfield Road – A 4040 – Church Road to reach Blakesley Road.