Monday, March 8th, 2021.
A recent, chance discovery of an old photograph of The Manor House, at Stone Cross, West Bromwich, instantly put me in mind of a particular experience that was recorded on the very first, overnight visit, by the W.M.G.C., some years ago now.....
A vigil was being held in the 'Function Room' section of the property during the early house of the morning.... a spot that was always jokingly referred to as 'Crossroads Motel' (by club members), because of it's overwhelming 60's / 70's style and general vibe.
At one point, just after 3 a.m., group member, Steve Chew, clearly reacts with considerable surprise to something and informs the group that he had 'seen a figure' just outside some nearby glass doors! Members present react immediately, but nothing can be seen upon investigation?
At the point in question, Steve had been in a position directly facing the doors concerned and says that the figure had moved from his left to right - speedily, in what he'd taken to be a 'gliding motion' - seemingly quite close to the glass. He reported that the form had been tall and thin... but moving in a 'stooping' position, as if traveling against a considerable wind!? (Of which there was none, on the night in question). From what he could tell, it had appeared to be wearing a long cowl or dress-like garment, light-greyish in colour.... and he got the impression that it's arms had been 'tucked in front of it', very much like when you see stereotypical images of 'monks', with their hands secreted inside the sleeves of their tunic.....
Referring to the photograph at the head of this post (taken around the time of the first investigation): the area being discussed here is the windowed section of building - actually part-hanging over the moat - nearest the position of the photographer. The glass doors mentioned are, while being viewed from a slight 'side' position, still clear in the shot. As the viewer can see, there is a low set of 'railings' between the external, patio-like area and the moat, which probably reaches around 'groin height' on someone of average height. Taking Steve's experience into account, the 'figure' that he witnessed would be traveling in the direction / position of the arrow in image 2 above... meaning that the only place that the swift-moving form could possibly go was.... well.... 'over these railings' and 'into' the moat.....?
In contrast, the aforementioned 'old' image, showing roughly the same angle (below) - which inspired this post - was supposedly taken around the late 1940's / early 50's. At that point in time, it is widely claimed that the Manor House of West Bromwich - while being known to have existed in the past - was regarded as 'lost'... probably demolished at a point long ago? (Quick note* This fact has been refuted numerous times - albeit mainly on social media - the suggestions made being that the local corporation knew exactly where the Manor House was, but, basically, didn't really care!?) The official story is that the property was happily 'discovered again', in the 1950's, during the demolition of 'slum buildings'... the framework of the old property being simply 'found', hidden underneath the exterior of the hovel-like structure.....?
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