Wolverhampton in 50 Buildings

Wolverhampton was a Staffordshire market town that became a center for steel production, lock and key manufacturing, iron and brass working, bicycle and car manufacturing, and mass housing. It has altered radically in recent decades, with the decline of heavy industries, opening of large-scale shopping centers, the movement away from mass entertainment, closure of the tram and trolleybus systems, development of the university, and preservation of cultural heritage sites. Wolverhampton in 50 Buildings explores the history of the city through a selection of its most interesting buildings and structures.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2022
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Originally a Staffordshire market town, Wolverhampton's prosperity was founded on the wool trade. However, the Industrial Revolution saw the city undergo a dramatic transformation, as coal and iron deposits in the area were exploited, earning it the nickname "the Black Country" alongside neighboring towns. The town became a hub for steel production, lock and key manufacturing, iron and brass working, bicycle and car manufacturing, and numerous other industries. To address the slum dwellings that had sprung up around these industries, mass housing was constructed in the first half of the 20th century.

Over the past few decades, Wolverhampton has undergone a significant transformation. Many heavy industries have declined, large-scale shopping centers have emerged, there has been a shift away from mass entertainment such as cinemas, the tram and trolleybus systems have been closed, the university has been established, and cultural heritage sites have been preserved. In 2000, Wolverhampton was awarded city status, and it boasts a fine collection of buildings that reflect its rich past. These include historic landmarks like St. Peters Church, an attractive art gallery, imposing Victorian and Edwardian commercial and civic buildings, the elegant West Park, a newly rebuilt bus and railway station, modern education buildings, and the Light House Media Centre. Additionally, the city features more everyday structures such as pubs, shops, and restaurants.

Wolverhampton in 50 Buildings is a captivating exploration of the city's history through a selection of its most interesting buildings and structures. It showcases the changes that have taken place over the years, providing a glimpse into the city's vibrant past and promising future. Whether you live in Wolverhampton or have an interest in its history, this book is sure to captivate and inspire you.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 165 x 233 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398106918