set to go on the auction block. The board planned to use as office space for 250 of its West Midlands staff. Three months later, during its conversion for this new purpose, a fire broke out and gutted the South wing. The house was unoccupied when fire broke out, and all of Lord Dudley's art and furnishings had been removed three days prior. This part of the house was rebuilt, but not according to its former appearance. The decline in the coal mining industry in the area led to the Hall being once more put on the market. In 1966, it was purchased jointly by Dudley and Wolverhampton County Borough Councils − despite existing within the Seisdon Urban District (and then South Staffordshire from 1974). The park was opened as a public leisure area. In 1988, Dudley bought Wolverhampton's share, gaining outright ownership. Himley Park Set in the grounds of Himley Hall, Himley Park was created in the 1970s and is now visited by over 200,000 visitors each year. It features a large lake and hill with many woodland walks along with open parkland. It is well known for its thriving population of ducks. There is a small log cabin café which is open for hot food and drinks. There is also a nine-hole public golf course which was designed by A & K Baker in 1980 and a family pitch and putt within the park, along with public fishing on the lake. Himley Hall sailing club have sailed on the Great Lake since 1970 and are a RYA-registered training centre. See also Grade II* listed buildings in South Staffordshire Listed buildings in Himley References External links Webpage for Himley Hall by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council Photograph and architectural description of Himley Hall Country houses in Staffordshire Grade II* listed buildings in Staffordshire Country parks in Staffordshire Tourist attractions in Staffordshire Gardens by Capability Brown