SEDGLEY history enthusiasts are appealing for help in putting together an information panel about a well-known village residence.

The Limes, on the corner of Dudley Road and Catholic Lane, was the former home of famous Black Country nail and chainmaker, Eliza Tinsley – who employed 4,000 workers in Cradley Heath in her heyday.

Built by the Tinsley family in around 1851, the Victorian building has since had a number of uses since Eliza’s death in 1881, being used by fire fighters, Air Raid Patrol and the Auxiliary Fire Service, as well as offices of Sedgley Urban District Council until its abolition.

It was most recently rented by an IT company, but became derelict when it was vacated.

The impressive building is now being converted into apartments, although the core of the house is being retained.

As part of the redevelopment, residents are being asked to help provide information and photographs about its history, to be used on an interpretation panel near the site.

Local history enthusiast, Martin Jones, who is collating the information, said: “We want residents who may have lived or worked at The Limes since the war to come forward so we can piece together the historic building’s recent story.”

Anyone with information should contact Martin on 07947 068023 or by emailing mmjones29@blueyonder.co.uk