1979 was an unforgettable year for Shrewsbury, with Shrewsbury Town FC enjoying a remarkable FA Cup run before making history by winning the Third Division title. The team captured the imagination of supporters with their famous 2-0 victory over Manchester City, followed by a thrilling run to the quarter-finals, before securing promotion in front of a huge crowd at Gay Meadow.
But there was much more happening around the town beyond the footballing triumphs. From a bitter winter freeze that brought snow and brought communities together, to the opening of the Frankwell footbridge, these archive pictures capture a year of change, celebration and everyday life.
There are also glimpses of local people at work and play, from students learning new skills to police officers out on their beat, alongside the community's efforts to support a major cancer appeal.
Take a trip back to 1979 and see what life in Shrewsbury looked like nearly 50 years ago, and share your memories in the comments.
- See 27 archive pictures of Shropshire in 1985 and revisit a year gone by
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5. Giant-killing glory on the frozen turf at Gay Meadow
A packed, roaring crowd looks on as winger Paul Maguire slots home past England goalkeeper Joe Corrigan on the frost-hardened Gay Meadow turf, sparking Shrewsbury Town's unforgettable two-nil FA Cup giant-killing of Manchester City on January 27, 1979. Where were you standing when the ball hit the back of the net against City? Can you still feel the incredible roar that went through Gay Meadow that afternoon? | Shropshire Star archive
6. Mounting rubbish reflects the grim reality of winter strike action
Piles of refuse sacks and discarded cardboard cartons dwarf the hospital grounds in February 1979 as industrial action by ancillary staff brings national winter of discontent disruption directly to the doors of the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. Do you remember visiting or working at the hospital while the piles of bags were mounting up outside? How did the widespread strikes and icy weather that winter impact daily life for you and your family across Shrewsbury? | Shropshire Star archive
7. Shropshire sporting icons share a smile ahead of FA Cup derby showdown
All-time goalscoring hero Arthur Rowley of Shrewsbury Town shares a playful moment with former Wolves winger Johnny Hancocks of Oakengates in March 1979 as anticipation reaches fever pitch before the massive sixth round clash between the two sides. Did you witness the incredible cup run that saw Shrewsbury take on their Black Country rivals that spring? Were you lucky enough to see Arthur Rowley score during his playing days at Gay Meadow or Johnny Hancocks lighting up the pitch for Wolves? | Shropshire Star archive
8. Family support behind the heroes of Gay Meadow
The wives and children of Shrewsbury Town gather in early March 1979 during the club's thrilling promotion-chasing campaign, with June Griffin and Rita Larkin standing behind seated Rita Mulhearn, Irene Lindsay, Ann Turner, and Linda Lochrie, joined by young Mark, Neil, and Samantha Turner alongside David and Colin Lindsay. Do you recall seeing the players and their families out and about around Shrewsbury during that unforgettable season? How closely did you follow the Town's push for the Third Division championship back in the spring of 1979? | Shropshire Star archive