I explored five of Wolverhampton’s oldest surviving buildings — and uncovered 600 years of history

A journey through five of Wolverhampton's oldest surviving buildings has highlighted the city's rich industrial, religious, royal and architectural heritage.

A new historical video made by the Express & Star takes viewers on a journey through Wolverhampton's past by visiting five of the city's oldest buildings — but with a twist. Rather than travelling chronologically, the tour moves backwards through time, beginning with the newest building and ending with the oldest.

Watch the video

The journey starts at Bantock House in Finchfield, a building dating back to 1730. Originally built as New Merridale Farm, the property was later enlarged and renamed Merridale House during the 19th century.

The house became associated with the Bantock family before being given to Wolverhampton Corporation in 1938. It is now a museum surrounded by Bantock Park, offering visitors an opportunity to explore local history and learn about the people who lived and worked in the area.

From Finchfield, the video moves into the city centre to Lichfield Chambers in Queen Square, generally dated to around 1726.

The building is described as an example of Wolverhampton's Georgian architecture and reflects the period when Queen Square was developing into an important centre for business, social activity and fashionable buildings.

Despite extensive redevelopment elsewhere in the city, Lichfield Chambers has survived and remains part of the historic Queen Square streetscape. The building is also associated with the Lich Gate Tavern.

The journey then moves back another century to Moseley Old Hall, near Fordhouses, which dates from around 1600.

The Elizabethan house is particularly famous for its connection with King Charles II, who stayed there in 1651 while attempting to escape England following his defeat at the Battle of Worcester. The dramatic episode eventually saw Charles reach safety overseas.

Today, Moseley Old Hall is preserved as a historic property, allowing visitors to explore the building and learn more about the King's escape.

The next stop is in Bilston, where the video features the Greyhound and Punchbowl. The timber-framed building is thought to date from around the 15th or 16th century and was originally connected with Stow Heath Manor before later becoming an inn and public house.

The building has survived centuries of change, but its future has faced serious challenges. In 2023, the Greyhound and Punchbowl was badly damaged in an arson attack.

Although the historic structure remains standing, the video highlights its poor condition and status as a building at risk.

The final destination is St Peter's Collegiate Church, the oldest building featured in the journey.

A church has stood on the site for many centuries, with the earliest surviving parts dating mainly from the 12th century. Much of the present building was constructed or altered during the medieval period.

For generations, St Peter's was at the heart of Wolverhampton's religious and civic life. Its distinctive tower remains one of the city's best-known landmarks, while the church continues to provide a visible link between modern Wolverhampton and its medieval origins.

Together, the five buildings tell the story of a city that has undergone centuries of change.