First Floor Displays

The first floor displays allow visitors to explore some highlights from a thousand years of Wolverhampton history.

Market Town Metropolis

In this room visitors can trace the historical development of Wolverhampton from Anglo Saxons times to the 1800s.

Wolverhampton was founded in Anglo Saxon times and was named after Lady Wulfrana.  It was ideally placed to take advantage of the wool trade and over the years developed into a thriving market town. 

With the decline in the wool trade from the 16th century onwards, the prosperity of the town became dependent on local coal reserves and on a variety of metal working trades.

Treasures of the Black Country

These rooms feature locally made items.  Highlighting local trades of the 1700 and 1800s there are displays of Japanned ware, enamels, steel jewellery and locks.

Making It in Wolverhampton

This room was Albert Bantock's billiard room and is now home to a display celebrating the achievements of people with roots in Wolverhampton.  This gallery of inspirational people also features a number of interactive displays based on puppets, including a large puppet theatre.