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The city itself is one with all the characteristics of a lively, cosmopolitan
and thriving city. So it is not surprising that it should be home also to main
site of the fifth largest university in the country and a university which takes
particular pride in the broad mix of students it attracts.
Wolverhampton – ‘the high town or town on the hill’ as its name translates – is
a city of great character with over a thousand years of recorded history.
In the year 985, the first known charter of Wolverhampton was granted by King
Aethelred to Lady Wulfruna, a local lady of some distinction within the royal
court. She was given the lands of Heantun or High Town with the freedom to grant
the land to others at her discretion. In 995, Lady Wulfruna gave a parcel of
land at the high point for the construction of a
monastery. This is now the site of St Peter’s Church,
directly opposite to the University’s main reception. |
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Times have changed since then, but there is no doubt that the University has
played a vital role in overall development of Wolverhampton. Its 24,000 students
have contributed to the development of a nightlife scene rivalling that of the
major cities in the UK, attracting between 15-20,000 youngsters to the city each
weekend. There is now a vast and expanding array of pubs and clubs to suit all
music tastes and people of all ages.
The city centre offers traditional high quality shopping. Two large indoor
shopping centres, the Mander and Wulfrun Centres, with their combination of many
top UK chain stores, specialist shops and large department stores ensure that
Wolverhampton caters for everyone’s needs. The town’s award-winning market dates
back to the 13th Century and nearby is an antiques, collectors and craft centre.
There is a huge variety of hotels and accommodation – so there will be no excuse
for not encouraging family visits! And the multi-cultural mix of Wolverhampton
as a whole has encouraged the establishment of an enviable selection of first
class restaurants offering the very best of the ‘real thing’ – everything from a
spicy Tandoori to a traditional Greek, Cantonese or English carvery meal.
In terms of leisure, Wolverhampton offers the best of both worlds. Surrounded by
beautiful countryside, there is a multitude of fascinating and historic places
to visit. For displays and exhibitions, there’s the Wolverhampton Art Gallery,
nearby Bilston Art Gallery and Musuem and the Bantock House Museum. The
Elizabethan-style Moseley Old Hall was where Charles II sheltered following his
defeat at the Battle of Worcester, while Northycote Farm is a recently restored
historic farmhouse set within 80 acres of park, woodland and pasture.
For more livelier entertainment, films are on offer at the Light House Cinema
and nearby Cineworld at Bentley Bridge. The Civic and Wulfrun Halls are now
major concert venues hosting a wide range of live entertainment, music and
comedy. Meanwhile, the Grand Theatre and the University’s own Arena Theatre
offer an extensive programme of theatrical entertainment. The city is also home
to Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club and, as well as hosting some of the
most competitive football matches in the UK, the new Wolves stand also has a
high quality leisure club. |
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