Chapel chiefs say 'I do' to weddings

After lying empty for more than 400 years, a medieval chapel in the heart of the Black Country is set to reopen and host weddings.

The chapel, in the grounds of West Bromwich's Manor House, dates back to the 1400s has not been used since the Reformation. The chapel is being renovated as part of the

£500,000 refurbishment of the 13th century Grade I-listed hall, restoring it to its former glory. Bosses behind the revamp are now in talks with the Anglican church about holding religious ceremonies there.

Sandwell museums boss Frank Caldwell said the site would be perfect for small ceremonies.

He said: "I have been speaking to the local Anglican parish priest about the possibility of holding very small religious ceremonies there and it looks promising.

"The chapel itself dates back to around 1430 and it stopped being used as such during the Reformation, in around 1530.

"It isn't a chapel or church as we would understand it now, but a place where priests would spend their time praying for the families that lived at the Manor House.

"It measures around 12ft by 15ft and includes a family pew that measures another 13ft by 15ft.

"It isn't in bad shape considering its age. Structurally it is sound, it just needs sprucing up." In addition to holding religious ceremonies at the chapel, the council is also planning to apply for a licence for the Manor House itself to hold civil ceremonies.

Mr Caldwell said: "There were concerns over then fact that it isn't possible to hold civil and religious ceremonies in the same place, but we are assured this won't be a problem as they are both separate entities.

"The Manor House needs a lot of work before it can be opened for weddings, but we are hoping to get this done over the summer and plan to be in a position to take bookings by September."

Work to transform the Manor House into a museum, visitor attraction and wedding venue has already begun.

A total of £525,000 is set to be spent on the first two phases of works.

Security improvement and work to the moat has already been carried out.