Birchills Canal Museum, Former Boatmans Rest, West Side Of Walsall Top Lock

Birchills Canal Museum, formerly known as the Boatmans Rest, is located on the west side of Walsall top lock and dates from around 1900. The building is constructed of red brick with a blue engineering brick plinth and features a hipped slate roof. It is two stories tall and has a rectangular shape. The canalside elevation includes a segmental headed doorway and window, along with a possibly later bay window that has timber sash frames. The upper floor is adorned with three pairs of lancet style windows, which are highlighted by rubbed brick voussoirs and a continuous hood band. The roof is topped with a central louvered ventilator that has a metal ogee cap. This former Boatmans Rest was one of three such establishments along the West Midland canals operated by the Incorporated Seamen and Boatman's Friend Society, with the other two having been demolished.