During the middle ages Wolverhampton gradually increased in importance, becoming a local center for the agricultural community. Its relative prosperity was mainly founded on wool. The government of the town was largely in the hands of manorial courts and, later, such bodies as parish councils. The town does not seem to have been much affected by national affairs although incidents in the Civil War took place in the vicinity.

The industrial revolution changed Wolverhampton entirely. The towns only advantage in this respect was that coal and iron were available nearby. The town rapidly became engaged in various metalware industries, including lock making. This expansion was assisted by new roads, new canals and new railways.

Although industry became the major part of the town's economy, it still maintained a thriving market function, serving the needs of the town and a wide agricultural hinterland well into this century.

The government of the town came largely into the hands of statutory Town Commissioners. Wolverhampton got two Parliamentary seats as a result of the 1832 Reform Act. In 1838 the Wolverhampton Borough Council was created.

The economic base of the town moved from small scale engineering to heavier engineering, including the manufacture of bicycles, motor bicycles, cars, lorries, buses and aeroplanes. The town had a long association with railways and railway engines were made here.

Later in the 19th century the Borough Council took over the functions of the Commissioners and became the leading local government body. Piped water, gas and electricity gradually became available. Transport was improved somewhat by buses and trams. The town's road network was improved. Education, which had earlier been a patchwork of private provision, became more widely available. Public housing became available and the suburbs slowly expanded. Law and order was seen as a greater problem. The town was not without its notable events, including the visit of Queen Victoria, the industrial exhibitions and the floral fete.

After the First World War expansion continued, especially into the western suburbs.. The town suffered from the Great Depression but remained relatively prosperous. During the Second World War local industry became a target for bombing and many airfields operated in the area. After the war life appeared to be continuing much as usual however the town was badly hit by the industrial depression of the eighties but the 90s saw Wolverhampton re-invented itself, gaining some share of new industries and becoming an entertainment centre, much due to the rapidly expanding university.

The Wolverhampton football(soccer) team, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC "The Wolves" have played a key part in the towns history for over one hundred years. Founder members of the football league their ground "Molineaux" has seen triumph and despair.

In 2001 the town was designated a city.

The 2001 census listed the population size as 236582.

Saint Peter is the patron saint of the city.