Over the thousand or so years of its existence, Wolverhampton has seen many changes: in the size of its population, in the growth of its area, and in the development of its industries.Wolverhampton has progressed from being a small settlement founded by Lady Wulfruna in 985 A.D., to a thriving and important town of the Industrial Revolution. On passing through Wolverhampton, in 1838, a young author named Charles Dickens was at once fascinated and appalled by the “miles of cinder-paths and blazing furnaces, and roaring steam engines” he encountered. During the twentieth century Wolverhampton was in a state of transition. Like many former British industrial hubs, as the old manufacturing industries died out, the landscape of the town began to change. As Wolverhampton entered the millennium, the town strove to redefine and refashion its identity. Such an enterprise was given added impetus when, in 2001, it was awarded “city” status.
Over the course of its history, Wolverhampton, like many other towns and cities, has had its detractors. In 2009, the Lonely Planet travel guide proclaimed that it was the fifth worst city in the world in which to live. Wolverhampton and its inhabitants, however, rise above such sneering contempt, which is as unwarranted as it is unnecessary. From a personal point of view, since arriving in Wolverhampton in 2010 I have been nothing but impressed by this warm-hearted, industrious, and hospitable city which continually punches far above its weight.
In particular I have been impressed with the many faces of Wolverhampton: the agricultural and the industrial, the local shops and the large multinational businesses, the cultural venues and the public houses, and so on. In short, like all of the greatest cities, Wolverhampton is full of contrasts and contradictions, all of which unite to create a place which is greater than the sum of its individual parts. Wolverhampton has the relatively rare distinction of being a place originally founded by a woman. Lady Wulfruna could hardly have dreamed what her settlement was capable of becoming.
Heidi McIntosh is the City Archivist for Wolverhampton and has worked at Wolverhampton Archives and Local Studies for over ten years. Her book, Wolverhampton In Old Photographs is available now.