The Old Crown, The Oldest Inn, Birmingham UK

		Telephone +44 (0)121 248 1368 188 High Street, Deritend, Birmingham, West Midlands B12 0LD. Fax +44 (0)121 248 1369

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	Did you know?

	Located within the original courtyard of The Old Crown, 16 feet from the old rear wall of the property is the original drinking water well to the property. It is possible that this well may be even older than the building itself, and is likely to be the oldest original well of its kind in Birmingham. In 1994, it was re-discovered during the restoration of the property and was re-built as a feature. It can be seen in the current day reception area (see above).

Black and White Gem | Crowning Glory of Brum | Key Events

Key Events for The Old Crown

The history of The Old Crown is long and illustrious, it has witnessed the growth of Birmingham from a small market tavern to the bustling metropolis that it is today. It has played it’s own part in history too; whether it be as a stopping-off point for royalty or as a key battleground during the English Civil War. Below are just some of the key dates and events during the last eight centuries.

1368	Built as a manor house by Robert o’ The Grene.
1575	Queen Elizabeth I stays overnight in the gallery chamber room.
1643	Prince Rupert’s “Bloody Butchers” storm Birmingham. The Old Crown is the last stronghold to fall.
1684	The Old Crown house is converted into two properties by Richard Dickson and becomes The Old Crown Inn, Birmingham’s first coaching inn.
1848	Restored by Joshua Toulmin-Smith who discovered for the first time, the drinking water well in the then courtyard.
1862-1925	The Old Crown property was in the hands of private tenants and landlords.
1925	Sold to the Holt Brewery company.
1966	Taken over by Ansells Brewery of Birmingham.
1992	The Old Crown finally closed and quickly fell into a state of disrepair.
1993	Purchased by Patrick and Ellen Brennan. Restoration begins.
1994	Patrick and son Peter rediscover the drinking well. Now to be found in reception.
1998	Restoration is completed and The Old Crown opens to the public once again.
2002	Anthoney Hickey and family from Birmingham become the proud new owners.


	What a tale these walls would tell, If only they could speak, History would be re-lived, But their secrets they shall keep.
	– Delia A. Inchley.