The distinctive '60s architecture of the Shrewsbury Market Hall and its soaring Mardol clock tower dominate the street corner in 1979, framed by familiar shopfront signs for local businesses like Brooks Shoe Salon and Norton Carpets in a photograph captured by Walter Winder. Do you remember when the clock tower and modern market building were a relatively fresh addition to the Shrewsbury skyline? Which shops along Bellstone, Shoplatch, or inside the Market Hall itself did you visit most often during those years? placeholder image
The distinctive '60s architecture of the Shrewsbury Market Hall and its soaring Mardol clock tower dominate the street corner in 1979, framed by familiar shopfront signs for local businesses like Brooks Shoe Salon and Norton Carpets in a photograph captured by Walter Winder. Do you remember when the clock tower and modern market building were a relatively fresh addition to the Shrewsbury skyline? Which shops along Bellstone, Shoplatch, or inside the Market Hall itself did you visit most often during those years? | Picture: Walter Winder

Shrewsbury in 1979: 25 pictures of football glory and life around town

By Tania Taylor
Published 27th Oct 2026, 15:04 GMT

Relive Shrewsbury Town’s historic footballing triumphs and everyday life in the town in 1979

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.

  • You can enjoy this and more with our weekly FREE Nostalgia Newsletter - with scores of archive pictures and exclusive features on the history of Shropshire and Mid Wales - all sent to your inbox every week. Sign up here
Group leader Richard Duncan and costumed musicians of the Shrewsbury Consort tune historical wind instruments at College Hill House on December 14, 1979, holding final rehearsals before stepping on stage at Shrewsbury Castle for an evening of Tudor-style music. Did you attend the castle concert that December to hear the Shrewsbury Consort play? Do you remember seeing this local group perform around town in their intricate period costumes?

25. Tudor tunes and period dress for castle performance

Group leader Richard Duncan and costumed musicians of the Shrewsbury Consort tune historical wind instruments at College Hill House on December 14, 1979, holding final rehearsals before stepping on stage at Shrewsbury Castle for an evening of Tudor-style music. Did you attend the castle concert that December to hear the Shrewsbury Consort play? Do you remember seeing this local group perform around town in their intricate period costumes? | Shropshire Star archive

Photo Sales
Previous
7 / 7
Next Page
Related topics:Photo memoriesArchivesShrewsbury
Local news you can trust
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice