A farm house, part of the Manor of Northfield, belonging to the Jervoise family, was recorded as being on the site circa 1750.

[3] On acquisition by the University, the property was renamed The Manor House and converted for use from 1958 as a hall of residence by H W Hobbiss.

[3] Architecturally, it is in mock Tudor-style stone and brick, with timber-framing, projecting porch and carved bay windows probably by George Gadd who also designed some of the early Cadbury's factory buildings at Bournville.

[7] Twenty fire engines, including specialist hydraulic platforms and a high-volume water pump, were deployed.

[8] In June 2015 a large part of the Manor House was torn down by demolition crews working on behalf of the University of Birmingham, who still own the site, though it was claimed only those sections of the building that were structurally unsound had been demolished.

Prominent local historian Carl Chinn was reported as urging the University to stop the demolition and to "consult with local people through community groups and their elected representatives over the future of this building", adding that the owners "should take a serious look at how they will restore the building, in partnership with the community.

"[9] In response the University's vice-principal, Adam Tickell, claimed that despite the demolition of the majority of the structure it remained the intention of the University that the building should "be rebuilt to mirror the external appearance of the original manor house", going on to say the planning application had been revived and now included "provision for the rebuilding of the manor house".