Rare glimpse of historic building restoration work

Wightwick Manor and Gardens is in the middle of a three-year conservation project

An historic manor is to give visitors a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of the "fascinating stories" uncovered during a three-year conservation project.

The National Trust's Grade I listed Wightwick Manor and Gardens, in Wightwick Bank, Wolverhampton, is holding the Big MEND Open Day on 7 June.

Visitors will be able to take part in tours, chat to the site's architect and collections manager, and watch specialists demonstrate traditional skills such as wood carving and lime plastering.

The £800,000 Big MEND project aims to restore the late 19th Century building's deteriorating timber frame and carry out other essential repairs by the end of 2026.

It includes the removal of moss and plant growth and work on the building's decorative stained glass windows.

Visitors will be able to see specialists restoring the building's iconic timber frame

Visitors to the Victorian manor on Saturday can also take part in a free wood-carving spotter trail and learn what was discovered during the restoration of William Morris wallpaper.

A spokesperson described the open day as a "fantastic opportunity" to learn more about the conservation work "and the fascinating stories" uncovered along the way.

Events take place between 10:00 and 15:00 BST, with no booking required, although usual admission costs apply.