A WHOPPING historical lie has been uncovered by Cradley Heath historian John Billingham at Haden Hill House Museum.

During the winter closure of the museum Mr Billingham has uncovered the Haden family did not come over with the Normans in 1066 as they told townsfolk for years.

Jane Hanney, museum services manager, said: "There has been a story which has been repeated for many years that the Hadens came over with the Norman conquest in 1066 and a Norman Knight founded the family dynasty here.

"We now know that this story was invented at some point in the Victorian period.

"At the end of the 1800s and early 1900s Mr Basano, a relative of the Haden family writes that documents he had seen show the family as farmers in the local area in the 13th century."

She added: "It seems that it’s not until the late 1600s that the Hadens are suggesting they are gentlemen."

Alison Hyatt, visitor services officer, added: "The maps John has researched have given us a real insight into the local area in the past and what the Haden family owned.

"However there are some photographs and documents which we can’t place.

"We are asking visitors to come along on Tuesday and Wednesday between 11am and 3pm to speak to our volunteers about the house and its history and have a look at some of this information."

She added: "Hopefully, they can recognise some of the photographs which date back to the 1950s as well as enjoying the earlier documents and photographs which we have."

The work is part of a wider Heritage Lottery Funded project called Best’s Angels which is looking at the lives of the family who lived at the house through a creative arts and heritage programme of activities with schools and the community.

For more information about events and activities at Haden Hill House Museum visit www.sandwell.gov.uk/museumevents and for more information about the Best’s Angels project visit bestsangels.wordpress.com.