Lifford Hall - A Birmingham Hidden Gem!

Lifford Hall is situated on Tunnel Lane near Lifford Reservoir in Lifford, Birmingham. Hidden away behind a gate, and dates to the early 17th century, with an 18th century watch tower (folly).


Where is Lifford Hall?

Lifford Hall is on Tunnel Lane, Lifford, King's Norton, Birmingham, B30 3JN. It is near Lifford Reservoir and Lifford Lane Household Recycling Centre.

 

In brief

Lifford Hall dates to the early 17th century. By the 1780s it was owned by James Hewitt of Coventry (later the Lord Chancellor of Ireland). He took the name Viscount Lifford from the Lifford area near Londonderry (now in Northern Ireland). On Lifford's death, the hall was bought by John Dobbs, who was the engineer of the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.

Lifford HallLifford Hall (August 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Lifford Hall - history

Lifford Hall was built in 1604 on the site of an earlier medieval building, and is now Grade II listed. In 1781 it was the home of James Hewitt of Coventry, who became Lord Chancellor of Ireland. He took the title Viscount Lifford as his title apparently named after Lifford near Londonderry in Ireland (now in Northern Ireland). On Lifford's death, the hall was bought by John Dobbs, the engineer of the nearby Worcester & Birmingham Canal. The hall was built of red brick with stone dressings but is now stuccoed. The hall has 18th century Gothic stone walls with an octagonal watchtower folly. There was 18th and 19th century additions. The building was renovated in the 1950s and new office blocks were added in the early 1990s. Archaeological excavations on the front lawn of the hall revealed evidence of Lifford Mill, a post-medieval watermill which stood on the River Rea until the early 19th century. The remains were unearthed of a water tunnel leaving the mill and of the tail race to the river. Documentary evidence shows that there was an earlier medieval mill downstream near to the reservoir dating from the 14th century.

Lifford Hall

Lifford Hall

Lifford Hall (August 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Lifford HallWatchtowe folly at Lifford Hall (August 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

Project dates

08 Aug 2021 - On-going

Passions

History & heritage, Civic pride, Classic Architecture

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Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com