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A look back in time: 25 fascinating historic photos of the River Severn at Bridgnorth

Here we revisit Bridgnorth across the decades, seen from the banks of the River Severn.

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By Tania Taylor
Published

From calm days with rowers on the water to dramatic floods - and even a wintry morning when a milkman narrowly avoided sliding into the river - these images capture these historic moments and everyday scenes.

We hope you enjoy this glimpse into the Star’s archive.

This picture was used in the book by Bridgnorth historian Clive Gwilt, called A History of Bridgnorth by Dates. The book identifies it as The Riverside by Edward Goodwin, dating from 1806. Shows the River Severn and Bridgnorth bridge
This picture was used in the book by Bridgnorth historian, Clive Gwilt, called A History of Bridgnorth by Dates. The book identifies it as The Riverside by Edward Goodwin, dating from 1806. Shows the River Severn and Bridgnorth bridge
Clearly a very early view of the Severn Bridge, Bridgnorth, c.1860s/'70s. This picture was shared by Ralph Walke. His description is 'The riverside at Bridgnorth showing two foundries at the bottom of Doctors Lane.' He says this picture is from the collection of the late Walter Rutter.
Clearly a very early view of the Severn Bridge, Bridgnorth, c.1860s/'70s. This picture was shared by Ralph Walker. His description is 'The riverside at Bridgnorth showing two foundries at the bottom of Doctors Lane.' He says this picture is from the collection of the late Walter Rutter
High Rock, Bridgnorth, and the River Severn. Undated, but 'feels' Edwardian. Picture supplied by Ray Farlow
High Rock, Bridgnorth, and the River Severn. Undated, but 'feels' Edwardian. Picture supplied by Ray Farlow
This picture was shared by Ralph Walker, from the collection of the late Walter Rutter.
Flooding of the River Severn at Foundry Yard, Bridgnorth. Undated, possibly the floods of 1946/47. Another picture from the collection of the late Walter Rutter
This picture postcard was shared by Peter Smith. He says the code (bottom right) can be used to date the image to 1900. He said: 'Whilst it's a familiar view, there are a number of things that made it stand out to me - the postcard manufacturer (Valentines) used a date coding system. Even though this card was posted in 1935, the image was first registered in 1900, making it a Victorian view.'
This picture postcard was shared by Peter Smith. He says the code (bottom right) can be used to date the image to 1900. He said: 'Whilst it's a familiar view, there are a number of things that made it stand out to me - the postcard manufacturer (Valentines) used a date coding system. Even though this card was posted in 1935, the image was first registered in 1900, making it a Victorian view.'
An undated picture, possibly late Victorian. This is a lantern slide from the large collection of Bridgnorth photos and other historical material which were accumulated by John Dixon, of Low Town, Bridgnorth. Mr Dixon died on June 29, 2017. He originated from Wednesbury and came to Bridgnorth in 1978. The collection is being looked after by his son Michael Dixon
An undated picture, possibly late Victorian. Shared by Michael Dixon from his father's, John Dixon, collection
Another image shared by Michael Dixon from his father's collection. This is an undated Valentines Series postcard, possibly c.1912. This picture was published in August 2019 and two readers identified the building on the river as the town's floating swimming bath
Another image shared by Michael Dixon from his father's, John Dixon, collection. This is an undated Valentines Series postcard, possibly c.1912. This picture was published in August 2019 and two readers identified the building on the left on the river as the town's floating swimming bath