The Foundations of Wolves FC

Join local historian Kevin Harris for a fascinating illustrated talk exploring the origins of Wolverhampton Wanderers, told as a talk of two halves — beginning long before the first ball was kicked at Molineux.

The first half focuses on the Molineux family, whose name became permanently linked with Wolverhampton’s sporting identity. This section explores who the Molineux family were, how their estate developed, and how the site that would later become Molineux Stadium evolved from private land into a public sporting space.

The second half turns to the birth of the football club itself, tracing the story back to 1877, when St Luke’s FC was formed in Blakenhall. Kevin examines the club’s earliest playing grounds, key individuals, and formative years, charting the journey from a local church team to the professional club that would become Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Using historic maps, photographs, and original research, the talk explores:

1. The Molineux estate and its transformation
2. Why the stadium bears its name
3. The social and sporting roots of Wolves
4. How place, people, and community shaped the club’s identity

Accessible, well-researched, and richly illustrated, this talk will appeal to Wolves supporters, local history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in how Wolverhampton’s landscape and communities shaped one of England’s most historic football clubs.

About the Venue

Our monthly events are based at Penn Bowling Club, 10 Manor Road, Penn, Wolverhampton, WV4 5PY. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, has good parking, toilet facilities and a bar. For users of public transport, the 15/16 bus routes along the Penn Road can be followed by a short walk up Manor Road to the venue.