Sandwell Council has exciting plans for the historic Manor House in West Bromwich – one of the West Midlands’ most important historic buildings.

Recent surveys, research and archaeological investigations have revealed lost and forgotten secrets from the 13th house in Hall Green Road, which opened as a museum in 2010. With a history of murder, insanity and grave-robbing, and with buildings that have served as court house, chapel, tenement block and bakery, it has proved a big draw for local people. Councillor Richard Marshall, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for leisure, said:

“The Manor House is such an exciting place and local families enjoy visiting to see some wide-ranging events. The museums service puts on some very interesting and inspiring things in a programme of family-friendly events which include living history, fetes, ghost hunts and concerts.

"If Manor House was in somewhere like Stratford-upon-Avon, it would be a major national tourist attraction, and we want it to receive the recognition and attention it truly deserves."

Now museum bosses want to know what local people would like to do and enjoy at this inspiring site as they plan a bid for up to £2 million of Heritage Lottery funding. Museums manager Frank Caldwell said:

"We've uncovered so much exciting history relating to so many of the people who have lived in the Manor House over the last 900 years. We are really excited about sharing these histories with our local communities, with visitors and with descendants of the hundreds of people who have lived here.

"We intend to make the Manor House one of the best days out in the West Midlands."

Bosses have invited the public to pass their ideas on by letting them know their thoughts online.