16th Century Golden Lion, Birmingham At Risk
The 500 year-old Golden Lion in Birmingham has not been in use for more than 20 years.
It has significantly deteriorated over time, and it currently lies in ruin.
It's thought to be one of very few timber-framed buildings in existence in Birmingham.
It’s believed that it was constructed sometime between 1570 and 1590, as the guildhall or associated building for the Chapel of St John, Deritend.
Over the year, this historic structure was used by the army and even for bare knuckle boxing.
In 1909, a movement emerged to protect the Golden Lion from demolition.
A letter to the Birmingham Daily Post criticised the town councillors for their failure to prevent the decline of this "relic of old Brum."
The letter read: "It is a strange perspective on the responsibilities of our councillors that… a hundred or two is begrudged to preserve a unique specimen of our forefathers' consummate taste and skill, one that would delight many future generations and bring perpetual honour to those who preserved it."
Thanks to the efforts of the Birmingham and Warwickshire Archaeological Society, the Golden Lion was spared from demolition.
The society funded its relocation to Cannon Hill Park in 1911 to preserve its heritage.
Following its reconstruction, it was predominantly used as a cricket pavilion.
In recent decades, however, it fell into disrepair and was fenced off due to safety concerns.
Sadly, for the second time in its history, it is at risk of destruction.
According to their website, Birmingham Conservation Trust is working with a range of partners to secure the future of the building.
Thanks to grants from Historic England and various others, the first phase of the project started in spring 2024.
This phase involved a detailed feasibility study to assess the condition of the building and to establish the cost of repairs to enable it to be brought back into use.
If they are able to secure the necessary funding through grants and donations, it is hoped that restoration work on site will start in 2025.
Reacting to the news on social media, someone said: “Please Birmingham save this building.
”Last alternative dismantle and store it until you have funds to rebuild it properly when Birminghams history once more means something.”
Another person added: “I have watched it deteriorate over thirty years.
”There is not the slightest attempt to maintain the building.
”I should think the plan is to allow it to fall into such a state of decrepitude that the problem resolves itself.
”It is a pity but it’s too late now I fear.”
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