More fascinating facts about Wolverhampton's past were unearthed at the ninth Local History Symposium, which took place recently.

The Battle of Wednesfield, Wolverhampton in the Anglo Saxon period, local pub names and signs, apprenticeships in the 19th century and Military Cross winner Harold Bantock Sankey were just some of the topics of conversation as local historians presented their research to the audience at Wolverhampton City Archives' Molineux Hotel Building.

Councillor Elias Mattu, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Communities, said: "The Symposium encourages original research into previously unexplored aspects of Wolverhampton's history and heritage.

"The annual event is open to anyone who is happy to give a short presentation about their original research to fellow enthusiasts, and it has established itself as one of the highlights on the local history calendar.

"I'd like to thank everyone who presented their findings at this year's event, and encourage anyone who is interested in discovering more about Wolverhampton's long and varied past to pay a visit to the City Archives, which holds a wealth of information relating to the history of the local area."

Each year the Symposium offers a bursary, this year worth £400 and sponsored by the Express & Star and Wolverhampton Civic and Historical Society, to one of the speakers. This year's recipient was Jane Smith for her informative and original talk on 19th century accidents in Wolverhampton. Saturday's event concluded with a talk from last year's bursary winner Kate Hartland-Westwood.

Wolverhampton City Archives exists to collect, preserve and make accessible historical records relating to the city of Wolverhampton and to secure significant modern records for future generations. It has a wide range of resources available to people interested in local history.

It is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 4pm and Wednesdays from 10am to 7pm and entry is free. Research can be undertaken on behalf of anyone who is not able to visit in person for a small charge.

For more information about Wolverhampton City Archives, please visit Type=links;Linkid=5897;Title=Archives Research Services;Target=_blank; or call 01902 552480. Details of a range of historic documents and objects cared for by museums and archives across the Black Country, including Wolverhampton, can be found at Type=links;Linkid=5901;Title=Black Country History;Target=_blank;.

  • released: Tuesday 10 March, 2015