A TALK on the lost mansions of the Black Country is being hosted by the Wyre Forest Historical Research Group at Kidderminster Town Hall.

Ian Bolt, an author from Wednesbury, in Sandwell, will be giving the talk about various local historical manor homes.

Gay Hill, publicity officer for the group, said: “It should be a fascinating talk as Ian is a very popular author and speaker.

“We may hear about places such as Bentley Hall near Walsall, the home of Jane Lane, who helped Charles II to escape the country after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester.

“However I do know that Ian has also been researching places a bit nearer to Kidderminster, such as Prestwood Hall, which was just outside Stourbridge.

“This was the home of the Foley family after Thomas Foley II had sold Witley Court to the Earls of Dudley.

“Just like Witley in the 1930s, Prestwood was ravaged by fire in 1922.”

The talk starts at 2pm tomorrow (July 15) and a small entry fee will apply which includes refreshments.

For more information call Gay Hall on 01562 746370 or email wfhrg@hotmail.co.uk