Golden Lion Restoration

Had a look around one of Birmingham’s oldest surviving buildings, The Golden Lion in Cannon Hill Park, before the restoration work begins.

Dating back to the late 16th century (c.1570–1590) and originally built in Deritend High Street, it is thought to have served as a guild hall linked to St John’s Chapel, later becoming a clergy house, school, tannery, and by the 18th century, a pub named The Golden Lion.

By the early 20th century, road widening threatened its survival. In 1911, the Birmingham Archaeological Society dismantled it piece by piece and rebuilt it in Cannon Hill Park, where it became a refreshment room and cricket pavilion. The following year, in 1912, suffragettes attempted to burn it down during their campaign for votes for women, causing fire damage to the timber frame.

The building fell into disuse in the late 20th century and has stood derelict for over 20 years. It is now Grade II-listed, but fenced off and in poor condition. In 2023, a grant of £32,000 funded a detailed condition survey; in 2024–25, further support came through Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, which awarded £344,265 to begin essential repairs.

The restoration is to commence in two weeks; following the removal of the existing scaffolding, Monarflex sheeting and a tin roof will be installed, making the structure and worksite weatherproof. Over a 6 month period, the timber, roof, and lathe and plaster will be repaired, preparing the landmark for hospitality and/or community use.

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Comments

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