Originally written as a series of articles for a local newspaper, 'Wednesbury Ancient and Modern: Being mainly its Manorial and Municipal History' was published as a book in 1902 in a limited edition.

The book has been out of print for over 100 years, and its republication is long overdue. Incorporated in the text is a short biography of Frederick Hackwood and a list of the other books he wrote.

The book fills a gap in the needs of local historians and residents of West Bromwich who have an interest in their town and its history.