The fascinating story of Queen Victoria’s visit to Wolverhampton 150 years ago will be brought to life as part of a series of fun events celebrating all that the city has to offer. Queen Victoria came to Wolverhampton in 1866 to unveil the statue of her late husband Prince Albert which remains in Queen Square to this day and has become an iconic symbol of the city. It is believed that the monarch’s trip to the Black Country was her first public appearance after years of private mourning following the death of her beloved consort.

She was so moved by the welcome she received from the people of Wolverhampton that she knighted the Mayor - John Morris - on the spot.

A letter sent by the Secretary of State for the Home Department to the Mayor after the visit revealed that the Queen had been “deeply touched” by the loyalty shown to her by her subjects in the Black Country.

To mark the fact it has been 150 years since the visit, the story behind the day Queen Victoria came to Wolverhampton will be celebrated as part of ‘Enjoy Wolverhampton’.

On July 4 and 6 the current Mayor – Cllr Barry Findlay – will open up his parlour in the Civic Centre for a free Victorian-themed celebration. Visitors are encouraged to enter into the spirit of the occasion and wear Victorian costume.

As well as enjoying tea and biscuits with the Mayor and Mayoress, people will be able to view an amazing illustrated leather-bound book which chronicles Queen Victoria’s visit as well as looking at related items from the city’s archives and art gallery.

There will be three hour-long sessions on both days from 4pm to 5pm, 5.30pm to 6:30pm and 7pm to 8pm in the Mayoral Suite on the 3rd floor of the Civic Centre.