Buildings

The first phase of Birmingham’s winning BBC Two Restoration 2004 project was completed in January 2008, when the refurbished Old Grammar School in Kings Norton re-opened to the public.

The Saracen's Head, April 08

The second phase, the refurbishment of its sister building, the Tudor house known as the Saracen's Head will be completed with its re-opening to the public on the 14th June.

The re-opening celebration will have a medieval theme and will include puppet shows, costumed characters, minstrels, craft activities and will, of course, allow people a chance to look around the restored buildings.

The project was made possible with a grant of £2.5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, together with support from BBC Restoration viewers, English Heritage, and a further £1.3 million raised by the parish church.

Canon Rob Morris, Kings Norton Rector

The finest collection of medieval buildings in B'ham

What is now known as the Saracen’s Head is a Tudor house, built in 1492, which became the Saracen’s Head inn in around 1800. With the Old Grammar School and the even older St Nicolas Church, it forms what is considered to be the finest collection of medieval buildings in Birmingham. 

Restoration has revealed much more of the original Tudor building and has also created a completely new wing which enables the whole building to be used as a heritage, community and education centre.

Canon Rob Morris, Kings Norton Team Rector said: “Five years ago, both these buildings were on the point of closure. They needed major repair and were costing the church thousands of pounds each year just to keep them going.

Interior of the Old Grammar School

"Thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Restoration Fund, English Heritage, the BBC, thousands of supporters across the country, and to our brilliant team of professionals and volunteers from church and community, they now have a wonderful future for all.”

Video diary

For BBC Video Nation, Gus (Marjorie) Goodchild and friends of the project have been keeping a video diary of the restoration. Click the link to watch the video.