Where is Oak House Museum?
Oak House Museum at Oak Road, West Bromwich, B70 8HJ. Also near Cambridge Street.
In brief
Oak House is in West Bromwich, is a half-timbered yeoman farmer's house built around 1620 with the rear built in the 1650s as the family wealth and status grew. It might also date to the late 16th century. It has been a museum since the end of the 19th century.
Oak House Museum (February 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown
Oak House - history
A half-timbered farm house built in the late 16th century, with additions in the 17th century.
Oak House Museum (February 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown
It was opened as a museum in 1898 after Alderman Reuben Farley, purchased the house for his family home, but ended up presenting it to the town as a museum instead.
Oak House Museum (February 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown
The house was the family home of the Turton family from at least 1634 until 1768, when it passed to William Whyley.
Oak House Museum (February 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown
Then the Scarlett's tried to steal the land until the Scarlett's were beaten by the Turtons.
Oak House Museum (February 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown
The name was thought to have come from an oak tree which stood on the green in the front ad was burnt down around 1800.
Oak House Museum (February 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown
The last John Turton advised William Whyley to cut the trees down and in 1768 many were used to make lock-gates for the Birmingham Canal, which was then being built through West Bromwich. Very few oaks remained by 1836.
Oak House Museum (February 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown
John Wesley preached at the house on two occasions in the late 18th century.
Oak House Museum (February 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown
It remained in the Whyley family until 1837. Following a succession of owners until Reuben Farley (three times Mayor of West Bromwich) bought the property.
He intended it to be his private residence but instead presented it to the town as a museum, it opened in July 1898.
The house was protected as a Grade II* listed building in 1949.
The corporation decided to convert Oak House into a period house with antique furnishings, with the formal reopening in 1951.
The house is now owned by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council.
Opening times
March until the end of September - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 11am - 3pm (Grounds open until 4pm) and Sunday 11am - 2pm.
October and November - Tuesday and Wednesdays 11am - 3pm and the first Sunday of the month, 2nd October and 6th November 11am - 2pm.
December - open for festive events.
Closed in January and February.
Entry is usually free
Entrance is free, no need to book in advance, unless a special event is on.
Public transport access
By train: Get off at Sandwell & Dudley Station. Oak House Museum is a 17 minute walk away.
By tram: Get off at Lodge Road Tram Stop. Oak House Museum is a 6 minute walk away.
By bus: Get a bus to West Bromwich Bus Station. Oak House Museum is a 8 minute walk away.
Also nearby bus stops on Bromford Lane. Oak House Museum is a 8 minute walk away.
Car parking
Parking is available on Cambridge Street, and further down Oak Road, beyond the barns or at the pay and display car park on Lodge Road which is a 5 to 10 minute walk away. Disabled drop off area only outside the site.
Vistor Centre
There is gates on Oak Road, that leads to the Oak House Visitor Centre, at 190 Oak Road.
Contact details
Oak House
The Oak House Museum
Oak Road
West Bromwich
B70 8HJ
Phone: 0121 553 0759