Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton, borough, in the metropolitan county of West Midlands, central England. It is an industrial center with manufactures that include iron and steel, machinery, motor vehicles, electrical equipment, and chemicals. The borough is the seat of the University of Wolverhampton (1992, formerly a polytechnic college) and a 16th-century grammar school. Wolverhampton grew around the Church of Saint Peter, established here in 994. In 1258 the town was granted a Wednesday market, which is still held, and an annual fair. Population (2001 estimate) 236,400.