The Lion Roars Again: A Historic Pub is Reborn in Cannon Hill Park
Photo: Golden Lion, 2025.
One of Birmingham’s most distinctive and historic buildings, the Golden Lion, is set to undergo major restoration work to stabilise the building through essential and urgent repairs.
Originally from Deritend High Street and dating back to the 17th century, this striking timber-framed structure has stood in Cannon Hill Park since the early 20th century. Thanks to generous support from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Capital Works Fund, the Golden Lion is now poised to roar once more.
Birmingham Conservation Trust, in partnership with Birmingham City Council, has been awarded £344,265 from Historic England, towards a total project cost of £398,759.20. This funding means long overdue repairs can finally take place, giving the building the critical care it needs.
The project will tackle structural issues and restore original features. It’s a major step towards securing the future of the much-loved historic landmark in Birmingham.
The public will be invited to follow the journey through behind-the-scenes tours, open days, and special events, including during Birmingham Heritage Week. These moments offer a rare chance to see conservation in action and reconnect with one of the city’s architectural gems.
Photo: Golden Lion circa 1900.
Short history of the Golden Lion
The early history of the Golden Lion is shrouded in mystery. The building once stood in Deritend, on land owned by the Guild of the Chapel of St. John. While the structure we see today isn’t medieval, it may contain parts of a much earlier building.
What we do know is that the Golden Lion was rebuilt sometime between 1616 and 1644, using a mix of new and much older timbers, some dating as far back as 1411. One compelling theory places its reconstruction in the wake of the English Civil War, when Royalist troops attacked Birmingham in 1643 and set much of the town ablaze. If the original building was destroyed, it was quickly rebuilt, possibly using salvaged materials, and a strong sense of determination to begin again.
Over the following centuries, the Golden Lion proved remarkably adaptable. It’s been a pub, a cutler’s house, six tiny homes or businesses, a scrap shop, and even a rangers’ hut. Time and again, it’s been reimagined to suit the needs of the day.
Sarah Hayes, Museum and Trust Director at Birmingham Conservation Trust, said:
‘We are thrilled to breathe new life into the Golden Lion. It’s a rare and remarkable survival of a timber-framed building in Birmingham, one that has stood the test of time and survived beyond all odds. Now it is our turn to help this much-loved building, which is in desperate need of repair. In many ways it feels like the last chance for us to act before its condition becomes beyond repair. It is a real honour for Birmingham Conservation Trust to take on the Golden Lion and we see this as our next flagship project.
Huge thanks to the project team including Chris Rice and Irene de Boo, whose passion and commitment to this project has pushed it forward.’
‘Cllr Phil Davis Chair of the Council’s Trusts & Charities Committee said:
‘It’s great news that Historic England are willing to fund this restoration in Cannon Hill, our premier Birmingham park’. From the Council’s charitable funds we were able to make a small grant to kick start the process. Restoring the Golden Lion after decades shrouded in scaffolding will be a real plus for the park and the City.’
Birmingham Conservation Trust has been trusted with some of the city’s most significant heritage projects including the award-winning Coffin Works Museum and the restoration of the Birmingham Back to Backs, now operated by the National Trust.
Photo: Tour of Golden Lion for Historic England, 2025.
The next phase for the Golden Lion focuses on making the building safe. Once restoration work is complete, Birmingham Conservation Trust will work with Birmingham City Council to explore future uses. That conversation will begin during this phase, but the Trust is clear that stabilising the building comes first. The Board is deeply grateful to Historic England for recognising the urgency of this project and for stepping in with vital support.
The Golden Lion will once again become a focal point for community heritage in the park.
The project launches later this year and will continue into 2026. Updates will be shared on Birmingham Conservation Trust’s website and across social media.
Follow @GoldenLionBrum on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates.
Visit www.birminghamconservationtrust.org
Contact: Sarah Hayes
Email: sarah@coffinworks.org
Tel: 0121 233 4785
Editor Notes:
The Golden Lion
The Golden Lion is a rare 17th-century timber-framed building originally located on Deritend High Street in Birmingham. Dendrochronological analysis, undertaken in 2024, shows it was largely rebuilt between 1616 and 1644, possibly following destruction during the English Civil War. Some of its timbers date back to the 15th century, suggesting it incorporates materials from earlier buildings. Over the centuries, the Golden Lion has served many purposes including a pub, cutler’s house, private dwellings, scrap metal shop and rangers’ hut.
In 1911, it was moved to Cannon Hill Park by the Birmingham and Warwickshire Archaeological Society. From there on, it was used as a cricket pavilion becoming a key feature in the Park.
The building was then badly damaged in 1914 in an arson attack carried out by suffragettes as part of their militant campaign for votes for women.
Birmingham Conservation Trust
Birmingham Conservation Trust exists to preserve and enhance the city’s threatened architectural heritage and to promote enjoyment and understanding of its historic buildings. Past projects include the restoration of the Birmingham Back to Backs, now operated by the National Trust, and the award-winning Coffin Works Museum. www.birminghamconservationtrust.org
Historic England
Historic England is the public body that helps people care for, enjoy and celebrate England’s spectacular historic environment. It champions historic places and supports those working to protect and promote them. www.historicengland.org.uk
Birmingham City Council
Birmingham City Council is the owner of the Golden Lion and a key partner in the project. The Council is committed to protecting the city’s heritage and supporting efforts to safeguard at-risk historic buildings for the benefit of local communities and future generations. www.birmingham.gov.uk
