Guided tours of Sandwell’s medieval Manor House are now underway every Sunday until 10 September.

Visitors can try on some armour, play medieval games and see some of the rooms displayed as they may have looked in the late medieval period.

The free tours last around an hour and start at 11.30am and 1pm, and there’s no need to pre-book.

If you are unable to get around the whole building you can pre-book a virtual tour with a member of staff using a tablet by calling 0121 588 2985.

Councillor Richard Marshall, cabinet member for leisure, said: "The guided tours days offer the only opportunity to see the whole of this fantastic building at the moment.

"The medieval Great Hall dates from 1270. It is an amazing space which you would never believe has survived in an industrial area like West Bromwich for 800 years.

"Our museums staff are also organising a number of family-friendly events during the summer holidays ranging from a teddy bear's picnic and other special themed events to entertain and capture the imagination of young minds.

"Our tour season ends on 9th and 10th September with a weekend of medieval fun as historical interpretation group Buckingham's Retinue set up camp in the grounds bringing to life 'The Wars of the Roses.”

Summer events at the Manor House:

  • Horrid Histories – Tuesday 8 August 11am-3pm (last admission 2.30pm). Admission 50p per child, adults free with a child.
Come and find out some of the terrible truths about the Greeks and the Tudors as well as other periods of history. The Sandwell Storyplayers will be telling horrible history tales at 1pm. There’ll also be themed crafts and food tasting. Refreshments available.
  • Fairies, Elves and Goblins – Tuesday 15 August 1am-3pm (last admission 2.30pm). Admission £2 per child to include a ‘creature hunting pack.’
Come along and see if you can find the fairy, elf and goblin doors all around the Manor House grounds. If you dress up as a mythical creature, it may be easier to spot them. Find them all and you could win a prize!

The Sandwell Storyplayers will be there at 1pm with tales of magical creatures. Crafts to make. Refreshments available.

  • The Manor House Pirates – Thursday 17 August 11am-3pm (last admission 2.30pm). Admission £1 per child, adults free with a child.
Come and meet the pirates of the Moat Pond at the Manor House. There’ll be party games, crafts, magic and balloon shows, a treasure trail and you can meet some of the pirate’s pet animals from nearby Dudley Zoo. Refreshments available.
  • Heroes/Villains – Tuesday 22 August 11am-3pm (last admission 2.30pm). Admission 50p per child, adults free with a child.
Come dressed as your favourite hero or villain. The Sandwell Storyplayers will be telling ‘super stories’ at 1pm along with crafts and food tasting. Refreshments available.
  • Mystery-solving Detectives – Tuesday 29 August 11am-3pm (last admission 2.30pm). Admission 50p per child, adults free with a child.
The Sandwell Storyplayers will be telling mysterious tales at 1pm. There’ll be detective-themed crafts making disguises and equipment for every good ‘sleuth’ as a crime-solving trail with prizes. Refreshments available.
  • Back to School Crafts – Thursday 31 August  11am – 3pm (last admission 2.30pm).
Come and make all the things you will need for your return to school – pencil cases, rulers, pen-toppers and more. Refreshments available.
  • Heritage Open Weekend – Medieval Re-enactment – Saturday 9/Sunday 10 September 11am-3pm.
The Manor House welcomes the Buckingham's Retinue who will be setting up their medieval encampment in the grounds of the 13th century Manor House.

They will be bringing to life the late medieval period, recreating the time now known as ‘The Wars of the Roses’, displaying an encampment, with visitor activities, both military and civilian.

Visitors will be able to see the arms, armour and firepower available to a medieval army demonstrated, and perhaps get the chance to join the army, try on a helmet or hold a sword.

For those interested in more gentle activities there will be a display of medieval music and dance with the opportunity to learn easy and highly enjoyable medieval dances. There will also be a chance to play games, hear about the gruesome surgeon and see a battle display.

Local historian Ian Bott will be giving an illustrated talk looking at the journey of the Manor House during the last 800 plus years.

The Manor House will be open for free guided tours and you can sample medieval dishes too. Refreshments available.