National Trust respond to calls to save historic Black Country mansion where Gunpowder Plot ended

The National Trust and Historic England have responded after Express & Star readers called for a historic Black Country mansion where the Gunpowder Plot came to its bloody end to be saved and transformed into a museum.

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 feature exploring the building’s remarkable history prompted a passionate response from readers, with many calling for it to be preserved and opened to the public as a museum or tourist attraction.

Now, both the National Trust and Historic England have responded to the concerns, providing an update on the building’s future.

Despite calls from readers for a heritage organisation to step in and protect Holbeche House, the National Trust has confirmed it has no plans to acquire the property.

A National Trust spokesperson said: "As one of the country's largest conservation organisations, the National Trust receives many calls to step in and save heritage and countryside under threat.

"We regularly assess opportunities to acquire land or properties to determine whether they support our charitable purpose of caring for nature, beauty and history on behalf of the nation.

"We use a set of guidelines to help us decide which opportunities we can consider.

"Holbeche House is Grade II* listed which means it is subject to regulations that protect its historical and architectural significance. As such, we currently have no plans to acquire the property."

The response comes after several readers urged national heritage organisations to take responsibility for the mansion.

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."

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."

Others questioned why the building had not already been turned into a visitor attraction.

Frank Martin said: "It should become a museum."

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

Historic England has also responded, confirming that proposals to transform the former care home into offices are currently going through the planning process.

Dudley-based Select Health Centre has submitted applications to convert the historic mansion into its head office, with restoration work proposed as part of the scheme.

The plans include repairs to the roof, restoration and repainting of existing windows and French doors, improvements to rainwater goods and the removal of internal stud walls.

They also propose demolishing the link building connecting Holbeche House to an adjoining annexe.

A spokesperson for Historic England said: "The property is currently in the process of obtaining planning permission to be converted into an office."

The organisation also confirmed that it had no objections to the applications on heritage grounds.

Two applications have been submitted to Dudley Council, including listed building consent for the proposed alterations and a separate application for the change of use from a vacant care home to offices.

The proposals could offer a new lease of life for the historic property, although they would not fulfil the wishes of readers hoping to see the mansion opened as a museum.

The responses follow an outpouring of concern from Express & Star readers, many of whom warned that the Black Country could not afford to lose another important piece of its history.

Several drew comparisons with the Crooked House, the famous pub near Himley which was gutted by fire and subsequently 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 added: "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!"

Others highlighted the mansion's importance not only to national history, but also to generations of local families.

Paul Mills recalled his father's time at the former 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."

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

Holbeche House retains a number of remarkable historic features, including oak panelling, fireplaces and original doors believed to bear the scars of the 1605 confrontation.

Its Grade II* listing recognises its exceptional historical and architectural importance, while its inclusion on the Heritage at Risk Register highlights concerns about its condition.

For now, the proposed office conversion offers a potential route towards securing the building's future, with Historic England raising no heritage objections to the scheme.

But with the National Trust ruling out acquiring the mansion, and readers continuing to call for public access, questions remain over how best to preserve and celebrate one of the Black Country's most significant historic landmarks.

As reader Debbie Brookes put it: "It so deserves to be saved. It's part of our history. Surely there is a way?"