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Wolverhampton, 'the high town or town on the hill', is a town of great character withover a thousand years of recorded history. Although evidence suggests that an early settlement existed as far back as 1200BC it was during the Saxon era that the town was recorded as a community. 
| In the year 985 the first known charter of Wolverhampton was granted by King Aethelred (the Unready) to Lady Wulfruna, a local lady of some distinction within the royal court. |
She was given the lands of Heantun or High Town, with the freedom to grant the land to others at her discretion.
| In 995 Lady Wulfruna gave a parcel of land at the high point for the construction of a monastery.
This is now the site of St. Peter's Church. |  |
For more information on Wolverhampton's rich history visit the Wolverhampton Archives and Local Studies website. The town once had 22 cycle manufacturers including Sunbeam and Viking. You can still get a Fred Williams bike made at the shop in Snow Hill. For more on all these makers click here to go to the fabulous Wolverhampton History & Heritage Society website cycle museum. It's a nine mile ride from Wolverhampton to the home of Islabikes (best children's bikes in the world) at Lower Aston Farm, Claverley. The city is famous for its great racing cyclists like Percy Stallard, Hugh Porter and Andy Tennant. The main focus is the vibrant city centre centre enclosed within the ring-road and with main arterial roads radiating from this centre.
The majority of the borough is within 4 miles of the city centre or a twenty minute cycle ride (a total area of 26 square miles [6945ha]) and, although on the edge of the West Midlands plateau, the topography is relatively flat.
These should make ideal conditions for cycling, but unfortunately current rates are below the national average (2%).
About WOWCC Wolves on Wheels aims to campaign for the rights of cyclists in the Wolverhampton area
and to promote cycling as a viable alternative to motorised travel. The group proclaims that all people (including children) have the right to use cycles for
independent travel to and from their intended destination. We are not anti-car but are instead pro transport choice. Mission Statement Wolves on Wheels recognise that: Cycling offers a quick and easy door-to-door transport.
Cycles are cheap and easy to run.
Cycling improves physical and mental health -- cycling is fun!
Cycling is quiet, non-polluting, takes up little space and does not place demands on limited fossil reserves.
Cycling is available to everyone, be they rich or poor, male or female, young or old. Wolves on Wheels will campaign for: A direct, safe and coherent cycle network taking people to places of work and leisure. Secure long and short stay quality cycle parking provision in the city centre and at key destinations throughout the rest of the borough. Better integration of cycling with other transport modes such as bus, rail and the Midland Metro. Events and promotions to raise the profile of cycling across Wolverhampton and the many benefits to the cities' inhabitants.
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