Sedgley Beacon, a landmark tower on Beacon Hill north of Sedgley town centre, is opening to the public for the first time in about 40 years as part of Heritage Open Days. The Grade II-listed tower has stayed closed because its steps fell into poor condition.
Visitors can enter the tower from 10:00 to 13:30 BST on Friday and from 10:00 to 14:00 on Sunday. People will not be allowed to climb the staircase, but they can stand inside and view the restoration work, including the replacement of most of the steps.
Dudley Council completed the latest phase of work last month. The scope covered more than access. Crews replaced 17 steps, repointed the sandstone tower, repaired stonework, and installed new fencing and gates. During the project, seven more steps were found missing near the top of the tower, and the council is now seeking funding to finish the staircase.
For mason contractors and restoration crews, the job is a straightforward reminder that public access and masonry preservation connect on heritage sites. Step repairs can control what parts of a structure the public can safely use, and masonry tasks like repointing and stonework repairs play a direct role in long-term durability and appearance. Dudley Council deputy leader Councillor Paul Bradley said the restoration has “significantly improved the appearance and condition of the tower,” and the council remains committed to improving access.
The beacon was built in 1846 by Lord Wrottesley using local Gornal sandstone. It sits within the Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark and along the Limestone Way footpath linking sites such as Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve, Dudley Priory, and Dudley Zoo and Castle. Heritage Open Days runs from 11 to 20 September and includes more than 2,400 free events across England.
Read the full, original article from BBC here.