Historic England upgrades landmark Oak House to Grade I listed

Oak House in West Bromwich has been granted an upgrade to Grade I listed status by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on the advice of Historic England. Originally Grade II listed since 1949, the black and white house which dates to the late 16th century has been recognised as a building considered to be of "exceptional architectural and historic interest to the nation." It joins Bromwich Manor House and Galton Bridge as only the third Grade I listed structure in the borough, the first new Grade I listing since 1972.

Only around 2.5% of listed buildings in the country are Grade I, the highest possible category of recognition, putting the Oak House in the ranks of famous historic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Warwick Castle and Blackpool Tower. Last year in 2023, Historic England granted £115,332 for urgent repairs to the building's historic timber frame, which have just been completed after 12 months of works.



However, the building remains on the 'heritage at risk' register. Historic England Regional Director for the Midlands, Louise Brennan, called it a "stunning" building and a "rare..

. Olivia Warburton.