The Bantocks

When it was built in the 1730s, Bantock House was known as New Merridale Farm. After the building was altered in the early 1800s, its name was changed to Merridale House to reflect its grander appearance. This is how the Bantock family knew it when they took up residence in 1864.

Baldwin Bantock was only two years old when his family moved into the house. His father, Thomas, had moved to Wolverhampton from Scotland in 1849 and married a local woman called Mary Dickinson. They had seven daughters and three sons, including Baldwin.

Thomas built a successful business as a canal and railway agent. Baldwin joined the family firm after leaving school and, when his father died in 1896, he inherited both the business and the house.

Two years later, Baldwin married Kate Jones (known as Kitty). They did not have any children, but devoted themselves to serving the town. Like his father before him, Baldwin became mayor. He was re-elected twice and also served as High Sheriff of Staffordshire. To honour this service the house was renamed Bantock House in the 1940s, after it was left to the town in Baldwin Bantock's will.

This BSL signed video is part of a signed guide that Deaf visitors to Bantock House can use to enhance their visit to the house.

Content written by Susannah Stapleton for Wolverhampton Arts and Museums Service. Videos produced by Zebra Uno.

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