As part of this year’s national Heritage Open Day, Dudley Council is working with partners to showcase buildings across the borough that might not typically be open to the public through free events and virtual tours from September 8 to 17.

Twelve key heritage buildings in Dudley town centre will offer virtual tours including the former St Edmund’s School (now Dudley Mosque), Priory House, the former Dudley School of Art and Free Library, Dudley Town Hall, Coroner’s Court, Old Police Buildings, Memorial Tower and the former Brooke Robinson Museum, Crown Public House, Old Police Station and three churches.

The tours can be viewed online from September 8. Downloadable leaflets about the history of the buildings are available, these have been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund through the Dudley Townscape Heritage Programme.

In-person tours will also be available at several buildings.

On Saturday 9 September, the Coroner’s Court will be open from 10am to 2pm where there will be information, trails and leaflets available.

The former Crown Public House will also open its doors from 10am to 2pm.

There will be an event at Top Church on Saturday September 9 from 11am to 2pm, where people can learn about the conservation work currently underway to the east window. The church will also be offering crypt tours and children’s activities.

St James’ Church, located at Eve Hill, is opening its doors on this day too, from 10am to 3pm. On Saturday September 16, Bottom Church is set to open its doors and offer guided tours from 11am to 2.30pm.

St Augustine’s in Holly Hall will also be open from 10am to 4pm. Dudley Zoo and Castle is taking part on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 September from 5 to 7.30pm, booking is required. Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of the council, said:

"We’re pleased to be working with partners to support the Heritage Open Day initiative once again this year. I’d urge people to get along to one of the events or take a virtual tour of some our most fascinating and historical buildings."

A number of other activities and events are taking place in Brierley Hill, Stourbridge and Halesowen. People can find full details of all events online There will be self-guided trails available of the key architectural sites in the town centres, which can be also downloaded online.

Heritage Open Days is a scheme that encourages owners of historically important buildings to open them free of charge to the public. It is supported by the National Trust and the People’s Postcode Lottery and promotes the historic environment of the borough.