'It must be saved': Readers call for historic Gunpowder Plot mansion to be turned into museum

Readers have called for a historic Black Country mansion where the Gunpowder Plot came to its bloody end to be saved and transformed into a museum, amid fears over its future.

Holbeche House, tucked away in Wall Heath near Kingswinford, played a pivotal role in one of the most infamous episodes in British history when several of the Gunpowder Plot conspirators made their final stand there in November 1605.

The Grade II*-listed building was the scene of a deadly confrontation between the King's forces and the fleeing plotters, including ringleader Robert Catesby, who was killed during the siege.

But more than 420 years later, the mansion faces an uncertain future after closing as a residential nursing home in 2022 and subsequently being placed on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register.

An Express & Star article exploring the building's remarkable history prompted a passionate response from readers, with many calling for it to be preserved for future generations.

Several suggested turning the mansion into a museum or tourist attraction, while others expressed fears it could suffer the same fate as the Crooked House pub, which was destroyed in 2023.

'It should become a museum'

Among those calling for the building to be given a new lease of life was Frank Martin, who said: "It should become a museum."

Shaun Jones agreed, writing: "That is a potential tourist attraction, as it belongs to a famous part of British history. It should be restored to its original glory."

Gary Sanders asked why more had not been done to capitalise on the mansion's historical significance.

He said: "I can't believe it hasn't been transformed into a tourist attraction, given its history!"

Jack Kirwan echoed those sentiments, adding: "How it's not a museum is baffling."

Meanwhile Sheila Chamberlain-Hyett said: "It needs to be saved. It's an important part of history and would make a lovely museum."

Others suggested heritage organisations should step in to secure the building's future.

Benjamin-Hugh John-Paul Mackay wrote: "Historic Houses and/or English Heritage need to come in and save it. The building is of national importance."

And Lauren Tipper added: "This should be taken up by English Heritage, as it is a major part of our history and should be preserved as such for future generations."

However, the National Trust has previously ruled out taking over the property.

Fears of another Crooked House

The mansion's uncertain future also sparked comparisons with the Crooked House, the famous Black Country pub near Himley which was wrecked by fire then demolished in August 2023.

Sue Emms wrote: "Please don't let it end up like the Crooked House. This needs saving, as there is so much history involved."

Daryl Jones expressed similar concerns, saying: "It will go the same way as the Crooked House if someone doesn't protect it now. It'll be too late when it's been torched and bulldozed!"

Alex Anslow added: "I hope it doesn't meet the same fate as the Crooked House."

Other readers expressed frustration at the number of historic buildings which have been lost across the region.

Darren Westwood said: "It needs saving. We've lost too many of our historic houses and too much of our history already."

And Sonja Harpin wrote: "We should never forget the history surrounding this wonderful house. It must be saved for future generations."

A building full of memories

For some readers, Holbeche House holds personal memories beyond its connection to the Gunpowder Plot.

The mansion was used as a care home for many years, and some recalled working at the site or visiting it before its conversion.

Claire Davies said: "I grew up just down the road from here. It's part of my childhood, and the history it holds certainly needs saving."

Simon Cayse added: "It needs saving. It's part of our history, and I was privileged to work at Riverside Care next door for eight years."

Paul Mills recalled his father's time at the care home, writing: "Just before it closed, it was a care home. My father was very well looked after while he was there, and he also died there. It must be saved."

Meanwhile, Shaun Healy said: "My grandfather passed away there. I'd hate to see it go."

Others remembered the building's historic features, including the bullet damage believed to date from the final confrontation between the conspirators and the King's men.

Susan Selby recalled the original bullet holes at the front of the building, while Lynn Williams, who visited the mansion while working for the ambulance service, remembered seeing what she described as a secret tunnel in the kitchen area.

The comments highlight the mansion's place not only in national history, but also in the lives of generations of Black Country residents.

What next for Holbeche House?

Despite the concerns, proposals have previously been put forward to give the building a new purpose.

Dudley-based Select Health Care submitted plans to convert Holbeche House into its head office, with proposed works including roof repairs, restoration of windows and doors, and internal alterations.

The proposals offered a potential lifeline for the historic property, although readers continued to express a preference for opening the building to the public.

Lynn Rudkin suggested an alternative use, writing: "This is a very important part of this country's history. I do worry it would get knocked down. A nice hotel and restaurant would be lovely."

Meanwhile, Hayley Bowen revealed she had ambitions of her own for the site, commenting: "I wanted to turn this into a heritage school and open it to the public every Guy Fawkes Night."

For others, the priority was simply ensuring the building survives.

David Presley wrote: "It's remarkable to think that saving this place should ever be something that needs to be considered. It's pure history and should be protected and preserved."

And Debbie Brookes summed up the feelings of many readers, saying: "It so deserves to be saved. It's part of our history. Surely there is a way?"

More than four centuries after the Gunpowder Plot ended in bloodshed within its walls, Holbeche House continues to stir strong feelings among those determined to see its history preserved.