The story behind Birmingham's grand mansion with a powerful political dynasty as restoration plans stall

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Published 4th Sep 2024, 14:09 BST

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Tucked away in a south Birmingham park is a grand mansion that symbolises a powerful political dynasty that left a legacy still felt in the city and beyond

The impressive Highbury Hall in Moseley was once the home of Joseph Chamberlain, who was elected Mayor of Birmingham around 150 years ago.

He is credited with making Birmingham ‘the best governed city in the world’ and oversaw huge changes during his time as mayor, building amenities such as swimming pools and libraries.

Not only that but the reforming leader was also the father of former Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and Austen Chamberlain, who became chancellor of the exchequer.

Just earlier this year, dozens of Joseph Chamberlain’s descendants and family members met for a historical gathering amid hopes to transform his former mansion into a multi-purpose visitor attraction.

Although parts of the building continue to be used for private functions, there is generally no public access to the house which was commissioned by Chamberlain in the 1870s.

However, the Chamberlain Highbury Trust recently announced it would have to put its larger-scale plans for the mansion and grounds “on pause”, saying Birmingham City Council is unable to match fund Highbury’s “much-needed” restoration due to financial restrictions.

“We know this news will be disheartening to many of our supporters, though we are determined to stay positive and continue with the hard work and momentum to meet the objectives of the trust to restore the building and establish a sustainable business model,” it continued.

Highbury Hall, Moseley — Highbury Hall, Moseley | LDRS

Highbury Hall, Moseley — Highbury Hall, Moseley | LDRS

Following this latest development in the story of Highbury Hall, here’s a look at the history of the building and the plans to restore it.

1870s – Highbury Hall built

According to the trust, Joseph Chamberlain started building Highbury Hall in Moseley in the 1870s shortly after becoming mayor of Birmingham.

It continues that years later in 1919, around the time the building was in use as a military hospital, the estate was assigned to the Highbury Trust.

And then in 1932, it says the trusteeship was passed to the city council ‘for the benefit of the people of Birmingham’.

2016 – Chamberlain Highbury Trust

The Chamberlain Highbury Trust was established as an independent charitable trust in 2016 to preserve and restore the house and grounds and give them a sustainable future. It says its aspiration is to make Highbury Hall fully accessible to everyone and “regain its rightful place in Birmingham’s historical and cultural landscape”.

April 2024 – family gathering

Dozens of Joseph Chamberlain’s descendants met for a gathering this year, with family members arriving at Highbury Hall from across the world.

Amanda Tinsley, the great-great granddaughter of Joseph Chamberlain, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “We were thrilled – it was a really positive response.

“The younger generation will meet and hopefully continue the Chamberlain family connections with Highbury going forward.”

May 2024 – Funding announcement

Highbury Hall in Moseley now a Grade II* listed building, was commissioned as his Birmingham residence by Joseph Chamberlain in 1878, two years after he became member of parliament for Birmingham. It took its name from the Highbury area of London, where Chamberlain had lived as a child. The architect was John Henry Chamberlain (no relation), who incorporated much terracotta decoration. — Highbury Hall in Moseley now a Grade II* listed building, was commissioned as his Birmingham residence by Joseph Chamberlain in 1878, two years after he became member of parliament for Birmingham. It took its name from the Highbury area of London, where Chamberlain had lived as a child. The architect was John Henry Chamberlain (no relation), who incorporated much terracotta decoration. | Bs0u10e01/ Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International

Highbury Hall in Moseley now a Grade II* listed building, was commissioned as his Birmingham residence by Joseph Chamberlain in 1878, two years after he became member of parliament for Birmingham. It took its name from the Highbury area of London, where Chamberlain had lived as a child. The architect was John Henry Chamberlain (no relation), who incorporated much terracotta decoration. — Highbury Hall in Moseley now a Grade II* listed building, was commissioned as his Birmingham residence by Joseph Chamberlain in 1878, two years after he became member of parliament for Birmingham. It took its name from the Highbury area of London, where Chamberlain had lived as a child. The architect was John Henry Chamberlain (no relation), who incorporated much terracotta decoration. | Bs0u10e01/ Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International

The Chamberlain Highbury Trust announced in May this year that it had secured £5 million in funds for the project from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

David Kidney, the Chair of the Trustees, said at the time: “This funding serves as a crucial cornerstone in our pursuit of a total £12 million required for the comprehensive restoration of both the mansion and the expansive 30-acre grounds.

“The restoration project aims to revive Highbury’s connection with surrounding communities, specifically Kings Heath, Moseley, and Stirchley.

“The trust intends to provide meeting spaces for community groups, establish new office spaces for local entrepreneurs, and fortify its leadership program for young individuals.”

August 2024 – ‘Disheartening news’

Just months later however, the trust confirmed the “disheartening news” that the city council was unable to match fund Highbury’s restoration.

“Whilst our larger scale plans for the mansion and grounds are put on pause, we hope to be able to access grants to help us make important transformations in the park for the local communities,” it continued.

“For this we have secured some funding already and have our landscape designs, management plans and planning permission in place.”

A council spokesperson said: “Birmingham City Council is currently not in a position to provide the match funding sought to secure the wider funding package and deliver the scheme of works as originally proposed.”

Birmingham City Council Home and garden

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