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Ironbridge retro: 26 nostalgic photos of notable visits, local life and familiar faces

Step back in time and explore the rich heritage in and around Ironbridge over the decades.

By Tania Taylor
Published
Last updated

This gallery, spanning from the early 1900s to the 1980s, offers a glimpse into our past through the Shropshire Star's archives.

Here we remember familiar faces and groups, iconic sights, and memorable events – including a 'rather large' Concorde pictured above the Iron Bridge on its way to the Shrewsbury Flower Show in 1987. Tom Hodgkins, from Stafford, shared his memories as a veteran of the show in a 2018 feature, recalling how he was talking to Margaret Thrower, daughter of television gardener Percy Thorwer, when they heard a loud roar as the supersonic plane soared overhead. “It was very low, and you could see the engines and everything,” he said – a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can read the full feature here.

Enjoy this gallery, shuffled for your enjoyment, and share your memories in the comments below.

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Ironbridge CofE School in 1953. The picture was shared by Mrs Joan Bowdler, who is a former teacher at the school, which was known as the 'Blue School'. She is on the right and started her teaching career here. She is originally from the Manchester area and came to Ironbridge on her marriage.
Ironbridge CofE School in 1953. The picture was shared by Mrs Joan Bowdler, who is a former teacher at the school, which was known as the 'Blue School'. She is on the right and started her teaching career here. She is originally from the Manchester area and came to Ironbridge on her marriage.
Wartime steel machine gun turret, at Ironbridge Power Station, alongside the railway line next to the Albert Edward Bridge. Pictured on February 7, 2000. Only one left in Shropshire. Pictured is John Firmstone, who was environment auxiliary plant attendant at the power station.
Wartime steel machine gun turret, at Ironbridge Power Station, alongside the railway line next to the Albert Edward Bridge. Pictured on February 7, 2000. Only one left in Shropshire. Pictured is John Firmstone, who was environment auxiliary plant attendant at the power station.
Ice floes in the River Severn at Ironbridge during the harsh winter of January 1982.
Ice floes in the River Severn at Ironbridge during the harsh winter of January 1982.
October 1970: 'Another stretch of Shropshire railway line has been closed down and pulled up. But this section is only about 15 feet long and most motorists who use the B4378 from Buildwas to Much Wenlock will be glad to see the back of it. It is part of the old Severn Valley line just upstream from Ironbridge Power Station. The old level crossing gates that protect it haven't been opened for years and only glimpse a train occasionally when a thundering diesel brings a line of coal trucks to the power station. Most of the track has already been pulled up but motorists have been forced to slow down and bump over the now useless lines. On Monday county council workmen set to work digging the remnants up and resurfacing the road.'
October 9, 1970: 'Another stretch of Shropshire railway line has been closed down and pulled up. But this section is only about 15 feet long and most motorists who use the B4378 from Buildwas to Much Wenlock will be glad to see the back of it. It is part of the old Severn Valley line just upstream from Ironbridge Power Station. The old level crossing gates that protect it haven't been opened for years and only glimpse a train occasionally when a thundering diesel brings a line of coal trucks to the power station. Most of the track has already been pulled up but motorists have been forced to slow down and bump over the now useless lines. On Monday county council workmen set to work digging the remnants up and resurfacing the road.'
Subsidence at Ironbridge CofE School, on January 13, 1970. The school was also called Ironbridge 'Blue' School. Looking at it is parent Mrs Jennifer Kilshaw.
Subsidence at Ironbridge CofE School, on January 13, 1970. The school was also called Ironbridge 'Blue' School. Looking at it is parent Mrs Jennifer Kilshaw.
The ferry over the River Severn at Jackfield. This picture is a postcard franked at Ironbridge on July 6, 1909. This was just a fortnight after the opening of the new Free Bridge over the Severn at this point - it opened on June 26, 1909. It was addressed to Capt. A. Fa (rest of name obscured by stamp), 4 Bentley Street, Stamford, Lincs. The message was: 'I.B., July 6, 09. Mrs Skitt says she no longer goes over by boat, but by the new bridge. My Dear Ada, after writing the other P.C. (views of I.B.) the P-man brought your loving P.C. 3.15. Mrs S has just told me about your P.C & has given me this to send you dear, she will write you soon. They haven't widened the river, but built a new bridge near the boat. Yours etc Tom' Ferries. Boats. Jackfield ferry. Ironbridge ferry. The black and white building is the Dog and Duck pub. This picture is from the collection of Bridgnorth postcard collector Ray Farlow.
The ferry over the River Severn at Jackfield. This picture is a postcard franked at Ironbridge on July 6, 1909. This was just a fortnight after the opening of the new Free Bridge over the Severn at this point - it opened on June 26, 1909. It was addressed to Capt. A. Fa (rest of name obscured by stamp), 4 Bentley Street, Stamford, Lincs. The message was: 'I.B., July 6, 09. Mrs Skitt says she no longer goes over by boat, but by the new bridge. My Dear Ada, after writing the other P.C. (views of I.B.) the P-man brought your loving P.C. 3.15. Mrs S has just told me about your P.C & has given me this to send you dear, she will write you soon. They haven't widened the river, but built a new bridge near the boat. Yours etc Tom' Ferries. Boats. Jackfield ferry. Ironbridge ferry. The black and white building is the Dog and Duck pub. This picture is from the collection of Bridgnorth postcard collector Ray Farlow.
A picture of Concorde flying over the the Iron Bridge on August 17, 1987, on its way to the Shrewsbury Flower Show. The photographer admitted to doctoring the picture to make Concorde appear bigger than it was on the original image!
A picture of Concorde flying over the the Iron Bridge on August 17, 1987, on its way to the Shrewsbury Flower Show. The photographer admitted to doctoring the picture to make Concorde appear bigger than it was on the original image!
Hodge Bower Albion FC, 1921-22. This is an old postcard. The caption on the front of the published card is back to front, it seems more likely that the added wording is a mirror image than the picture itself is a mirror image. The postcard was shared by Albert Langford, known as Bert Langford, and his wife Vicky Langford. Mrs Langford (nee Tooth), says middle row, second from right, is her uncle, Cecil Hurdley.
Hodge Bower Albion FC, 1921-22. This is an old postcard. The caption on the front of the published card is back to front, it seems more likely that the added wording is a mirror image than the picture itself is a mirror image. The postcard was shared by Albert Langford, known as Bert Langford, and his wife Vicky Langford. Mrs Langford (nee Tooth), says middle row, second from right, is her uncle, Cecil Hurdley, pictured when he was 16-years-old.
The Jackfield Band crossing the Iron Bridge circa 1972. The picture was shared by Paul France, who said: 'This pic is one of Ron Miles' and shows Jackfield Band marching over the Ironbridge in about 1972. We were involved in the filming of Dr. Jacob Bronowski's 13 part BBC series, The Ascent of Man. Filming was for episode 8, "The Drive for Power" which covered the Industrial Revolution. It was filmed on a Sunday between the hours of 8am and 4.30pm. Our contribution was about 14 seconds of the one hour episode! Because of problems with the Musician's Union we did not receive a fee but were awarded £50 "expenses".'
The Jackfield Band crossing the Iron Bridge. The picture was shared by Paul France, who said: 'This pic is one of Ron Miles' and shows Jackfield Band marching over the Ironbridge in about 1972. We were involved in the filming of Dr. Jacob Bronowski's 13 part BBC series, The Ascent of Man. Filming was for episode 8, "The Drive for Power" which covered the Industrial Revolution. It was filmed on a Sunday between the hours of 8am and 4.30pm. Our contribution was about 14 seconds of the one hour episode! Because of problems with the Musician's Union we did not receive a fee but were awarded £50 "expenses".'
The picture was taken at Ironbridge Railway Station aka Ironbridge and Broseley railway station. Undated, but perhaps late 1950s or early 1960s - the station closed in the early 1960s. Picture shared by Paul France
The picture was taken at Ironbridge Railway Station aka Ironbridge and Broseley railway station. Undated, but perhaps late 1950s or early 1960s - the station closed in the early 1960s. Picture shared by Paul France.
A picture taken from the Ironbridge Power Station chimney in 1990, when the top 12ft of the chimney was replaced in situ due to internal corrosion. Picture shared by former power station worker Frank Boden.
A picture taken from the Ironbridge Power Station chimney in 1990, when the top 12ft of the chimney was replaced in situ due to internal corrosion. Picture shared by former power station worker Frank Boden.
Crowds on the world famous Iron Bridge on Monday, July 2, 1979, at the start of bicentenary celebrations for the bridge, which was celebrating its 200th birthday. Hector Munro, a Parliamentary Environment secretary responsible for historic monuments, cut a ribbon to start a procession of steam and horse drawn vehicles. The dignitaries are on/by the platform on the right. Thousands crammed the streets to watch a procession and parade through the town.
Crowds on the world famous Iron Bridge on Monday, July 2, 1979, at the start of bicentenary celebrations for the bridge, which was celebrating its 200th birthday. Hector Munro, a Parliamentary Environment secretary responsible for historic monuments, cut a ribbon to start a procession of steam and horse drawn vehicles. The dignitaries are on/by the platform on the right. Thousands crammed the streets to watch a procession and parade through the town.
Bicentenary celebrations for the world famous Iron Bridge in 1979.
Bicentenary celebrations for the world famous Iron Bridge in 1979.
The Benthall Wheel, as seen in a postcard franked on March 11, 1906. The Benthall waterwheel was off Benthall bank. The wheel was, according to a different postcard, demolished in 1930. Picture from the collection of Ray Farlow.
The Benthall Wheel, as seen in a postcard franked on March 11, 1906. The Benthall waterwheel was off Benthall bank. The wheel was, according to a different postcard, demolished in 1930. Picture from the collection of Ray Farlow.
The Ironmen and Severn Gilders Morris team in 1980 in front of the Iron Bridge. Picture shared by Kate Hannon.
The Ironmen and Severn Gilders Morris team in 1980 in front of the Iron Bridge. Picture shared by Kate Hannon.
The Ironbridge Tollhouse. Norah Griffiths of Telford said the picture was of her father, the late Alfred Edward Newton, and was taken in 1921 when he was 23. Norah says that her mother was the last surviving tollgate keeper, and took a toll from Prince Charles during the bicentenary of 1979.
The Ironbridge Tollhouse. Norah Griffiths of Telford said the picture was of her father, the late Alfred Edward Newton, and was taken in 1921 when he was 23. Norah says that her mother was the last surviving tollgate keeper, and took a toll from Prince Charles during the bicentenary of 1979.
Prince Charles unveils a plaque to mark the bicentenary of the Iron Bridge on July 5, 1979.
Prince Charles unveils a plaque to mark the bicentenary of the Iron Bridge on July 5, 1979.
Prince Charles paying his toll to cross the Iron Bridge during a royal visit on Thursday, July 5, 1979, during which he unveiled a plaque to mark the bicentenary of the Iron Bridge. He handed over a 1779 half penny to 76-year-old Monica Jones, who had been the last tollkeeper of the bridge in 1959. It was the rate charged to members of the royal family when the bridge was first built (there were no tolls at the time of the picture - it was a symbolic stunt). Mrs Jones was living in South Wales but returned for the occasion. She and her husband had lived in the toll house for 15 years. She was turning 77 the following Tuesday.
Prince Charles paying his toll to cross the Iron Bridge during a royal visit on Thursday, July 5, 1979, during which he unveiled a plaque to mark the bicentenary of the Iron Bridge. He handed over a 1779 half penny to 76-year-old Monica Jones, who had been the last tollkeeper of the bridge in 1959. It was the rate charged to members of the royal family when the bridge was first built (there were no tolls at the time of the picture - it was a symbolic stunt). Mrs Jones was living in South Wales but returned for the occasion. She and her husband had lived in the toll house for 15 years. She was turning 77 the following Tuesday.
The building of Ironbridge Power Station on July 28, 1964. The caption reads: 'The new power station under construction at Buildwas as seen from Benthall Edge, which gave, only a short time ago, a view of typical Shropshire countryside.'
The building of Ironbridge Power Station on July 28, 1964. The caption reads: 'The new power station under construction at Buildwas as seen from Benthall Edge, which gave, only a short time ago, a view of typical Shropshire countryside.'
The old ferry at Ironbridge, aka Benthall Edge ferry. In the background on the Ironbridge side of the River Severn is a building known as 'The Grand Hall' and built by the Coalbrookdale Company around 1924, says Mrs D. Wozencroft, who loaned this picture. It was built as a social club and used for dances and other social occasions. Now demolished. Merrythought had started in offices there, about 1928, she says. On the ferry is ferryman Mr Beddoes, and Mrs Wozencroft's unnamed cousin from Leeds, who was on holiday.
The old ferry at Ironbridge, aka Benthall Edge ferry. In the background on the Ironbridge side of the River Severn is a building known as 'The Grand Hall' and built by the Coalbrookdale Company around 1924, says Mrs D. Wozencroft, who loaned this picture. It was built as a social club and used for dances and other social occasions. Now demolished. Merrythought had started in offices there, about 1928, she says. On the ferry is ferryman Mr Beddoes, and Mrs Wozencroft's unnamed cousin from Leeds, who was on holiday.
An undated picture, but work going on under the Iron Bridge helps date it to the early 1970s. The two year programme of work had been completed by October 1974, so the picture dates circa 1973. Picture: Ray Pringle-Scott
An undated picture, but work going on under the Iron Bridge helps date it to the early 1970s. The two year programme of work had been completed by October 1974, so the picture dates circa 1973. Picture: Ray Pringle-Scott
The last day of Maw & Co in Jackfield, published on January 2, 1970.
The last day of Maw & Co in Jackfield, published on January 2, 1970.
An undated picture of Ironbridge coracle man Eustace Rogers. He was the son of Harry Rogers, and grandson of Tommy Rogers, both coracle men too. Picture from the histories of Ironbridge by Len Beeston whose caption was: 'The craftsman at work. Eustace Rogers, the Ironbridge coracle maker in his workshop down 'The Dip' (ie Severnside, Ironbridge), with a coracle he is constructing. Eustace is the grandson of the renowned Tommy Rogers the old time poacher, and son of Harry Rogers the rabbit catcher.'
An undated picture of Ironbridge coracle man Eustace Rogers. He was the son of Harry Rogers, and grandson of Tommy Rogers, both coracle men too. Picture from the histories of Ironbridge by Len Beeston whose caption was: 'The craftsman at work. Eustace Rogers, the Ironbridge coracle maker in his workshop down 'The Dip' (ie Severnside, Ironbridge), with a coracle he is constructing. Eustace is the grandson of the renowned Tommy Rogers the old time poacher, and son of Harry Rogers the rabbit catcher.'
Bill Morris, chairman of 'the open day committee' for an open day held at Ironbridge Power Station on the weekend of September 27 and 28, 1986.
Bill Morris, chairman of 'the open day committee' for an open day held at Ironbridge Power Station on the weekend of September 27 and 28, 1986.
This plaque in Ironbridge recorded the World Heritage Site designation, pictured on May 5, 1987. From left, Environment Minister William Waldegrave, Wrekin MP Warren Hawksley, Wrekin Council chairman Bill Miller, Ironbridge Gorge Museum director Stuart Smith.
This plaque in Ironbridge recorded the World Heritage Site designation, pictured on May 5, 1987. From left, Environment Minister William Waldegrave, Wrekin MP Warren Hawksley, Wrekin Council chairman Bill Miller, Ironbridge Gorge Museum director Stuart Smith.
Coalbrookdale Brass Band, July 30, 1932. Picture shared by Miss June Culling. Her late uncle Frank Hanley, who lived in Ironbridge all his life and was born in 1897, is on the back row, standing, third from right. Miss Culling knew he played in Jackfield Brass Band but was unaware that he played in Coalbrookdale Brass Band. Miss Culling says her uncle worked at Ironbridge Power Station.
Coalbrookdale Brass Band, July 30, 1932. Picture shared by Miss June Culling. Her late uncle Frank Hanley, who lived in Ironbridge all his life and was born in 1897, is on the back row, standing, third from right. Miss Culling knew he played in Jackfield Brass Band but was unaware that he played in Coalbrookdale Brass Band. Miss Culling says her uncle worked at Ironbridge Power Station.