70,000 visitors flock to city's gem

Bantock House is enjoying a bumper anniversary year attracting more visitors than ever as bosses mark 60 years since it was given to the people of the city.

Around 70,000 visitors have flocked to the house, which lies in the heart of Bantock Park, in Wolverhampton, in the last 12 months making it the best year yet.

The historic attraction was first opened as a museum on April 22, 1948, after being bequeathed by the city's former Mayor Baldwin Bantock 70 years ago.

Curator Helen Steatham, said the former owner of the house would be proud of the treasured place his former home still holds in the city.

She said: "Mr Bantock was obviously a very caring and benevolent man by the fact that he gave the house to the people of Wolverhampton and I think he would be proud. People are really lucky to have this little oasis here in the middle of the city. It could so easily have become housing or used for commercial purposes."

Bantock House, in Finchfield, underwent a £1.1 million restoration funded by Heritage Lottery money in 1999.

A further £49,400 has been spent recently on restoring a billiards room and a servants' room, which opened earlier this week and features lifelike models.

The attraction is also to share £250,000 worth of funding with Wolverhampton Museum and Art Gallery over the next few years to display Victorian artefacts.

Mrs Steatham said the museum had gone through many changes since 1948.

She added: "When it first opened all those years ago it was a little museum with a few display cabinets on the wall.

"Since the refurbishment 10 years ago there has been a complete change.

"In the past people would have been tip-toeing around in hushed tones looking at display cabinets on the walls.

"We try and be more accessible these days and the museum is a lot more lively and family orientated."