This is The Old Crown at 188 High Street, Deritend, an inn, the oldest building left in Birmingham.

It is Grade II* listed. It claims to date back to 1368, retaining its "black and white" timber frame, although most of the buildings date from the 16th century. It is believed it was constructed between 1450 and 1500, with some evidence dating back to 1492 (the same year the Saracen's Head in Kings Norton was completed).

In 1538 someone called Leyland noted that it was a Mansion House of Timber.

Skermishes were fought nearby during the English Civil War when Prince Rupert's forces invaded Birmingham.

The building was converted into two houses in 1684, and into three in 1693. It remained three houses into the 19th century.

In 1851 the Old Crown was saved from demolition by Joshua Toulmin Smith, and again in 1856 and 1862, by the corporation, and Smith saved it each time.

All the first floor windows date from the 19th century.

The Old Crown Public House, Birmingham

   HIGH STREET
   1.
   5104
   Deritend B12
   The Old Crown Public House
   and Nos 186, 187 and 188
   (formerly listed as Crown
   Inn)
   SP 08 NE 7/54 25.4.52
   II*
   2.
   Claimed to date from 1368 but more probably early C16. Timber framed with plaster
   infill; tile roof. Two storeys (and always so), the upper one jettied; 5 bays, the
   centre on an advanced and gabled porch wing, coved and carried on simple modillion
   brackets, the outer 2 with larger though less advanced gables with carved bressummers.
   The ground floor with a central large entrance, public house windows on the left and 2
   shop windows and doors on the right. First floor windows all C19 3-light each outer
   gable and one either side of the porch.

   Listing NGR: SP0801886323

This text is a legacy record and has not been updated since the building was originally listed. Details of the building may have changed in the intervening time. You should not rely on this listing as an accurate description of the building.

Source: English Heritage