The days of clanging bells, belching smoke and flying horse-drawn fire engines are recalled in this picture of Bridgnorth Fire Brigade in 1888. It came originally from Miss Alice Crockson, of Friar Street, whose father, Mr G Crockson, is on the extreme left of the top row. The others are, from left: W Preen, W Dexter, T Wright, C Massey, and W Owen. In the front row (left to right) are: J Thomas, E Langford, T Jordan, J Lester, H Bishop, W Thomas, and Superintendent Childs.placeholder image
The days of clanging bells, belching smoke and flying horse-drawn fire engines are recalled in this picture of Bridgnorth Fire Brigade in 1888. It came originally from Miss Alice Crockson, of Friar Street, whose father, Mr G Crockson, is on the extreme left of the top row. The others are, from left: W Preen, W Dexter, T Wright, C Massey, and W Owen. In the front row (left to right) are: J Thomas, E Langford, T Jordan, J Lester, H Bishop, W Thomas, and Superintendent Childs. | Express & Star archive

Shropshire in the Victorian era: 37 pictures capturing life over a century ago

By Toby Neal
Published 28th Oct 2026, 10:08 GMT

A window into the Shropshire world of the Victorians

Thanks to photography, we have a window into the world of Shropshire’s Victorians - how they lived, what they looked like, and the towns they inhabited.

It was the first era to be documented by photography. And you know what they say about a picture being worth a thousand words.

So let’s take a trip back in time and take a look through the lens at the life of our Salopian forebears who were immortalised for posterity by something which still feels a bit special even today - the simple act of having our picture taken.

  • Shrewsbury in 1979: 25 pictures of football glory and life around town - see them here
  • 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
The old Ludlow Market Hall, aka Ludlow Town Hall, which was demolished in 1887. It was replaced with a new Ludlow Town Hall, invariably said to have been built in 1887, and indeed the town hall carried a legend on the building declaring “Erected 1887”. It was strange then that when it was demolished in 1986 a time capsule was found under the foundation stone with a copy of the Ludlow Advertiser inside dated September 15, 1888. A conjectural explanation is that, as the town hall was intended to commemorate the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria of 1887, that date was trumpeted on the building, even though it appears not to have been built until the following year. Written in pencil on the back of this print is: "Old Town Hall. I think Mr Tyrrell (Town Clerk) in the white bowler.”

13. Ludlow Town Hall, but not the one you may remember

The old Ludlow Market Hall, aka Ludlow Town Hall, which was demolished in 1887. It was replaced with a new Ludlow Town Hall, invariably said to have been built in 1887, and indeed the town hall carried a legend on the building declaring “Erected 1887”. It was strange then that when it was demolished in 1986 a time capsule was found under the foundation stone with a copy of the Ludlow Advertiser inside dated September 15, 1888. A conjectural explanation is that, as the town hall was intended to commemorate the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria of 1887, that date was trumpeted on the building, even though it appears not to have been built until the following year. Written in pencil on the back of this print is: "Old Town Hall. I think Mr Tyrrell (Town Clerk) in the white bowler.” | Ray Farlow

Photo Sales
The Corbet Arms Hotel, Market Drayton, and the street nearby are dressed with patriotic flags and decorations, so there is obviously some sort of celebration. Or a very important visitor is expected - it says "Welcome" in big letters above the entrance. Presumably the hotel proprietors are in the doorway. The name Wycherley is above the signboard starting "Corbet Arms Hotel & Posting... " The 1891 census has a Richard Wycherley down as the proprietor or whatever.

14. Celebrating something or other in Market Drayton

The Corbet Arms Hotel, Market Drayton, and the street nearby are dressed with patriotic flags and decorations, so there is obviously some sort of celebration. Or a very important visitor is expected - it says "Welcome" in big letters above the entrance. Presumably the hotel proprietors are in the doorway. The name Wycherley is above the signboard starting "Corbet Arms Hotel & Posting... " The 1891 census has a Richard Wycherley down as the proprietor or whatever. | June Edwards

Photo Sales
All that is written on the back of this print is "Oldest pic of Market Drayton?" It is Cheshire Street, and on the right is the Royal Oak Inn (the licensee's name looks something like Blockley), and on the left is the Drovers Arms (licensee's name is Roden). Immediately below that pub sign is what looks like the Butter Cross. If this really is the oldest picture it may be from around the 1850s and the absence of people will be deceptive, as they will have been rendered invisible thanks to a long exposure time. This same picture was used in the Newport and Market Drayton Advertiser of May 1, 1964, which described it as being 100 years ago, which would make the date 1864, which is rather late for an "oldest picture."

15. Is this the oldest photo of Market Drayton?

All that is written on the back of this print is "Oldest pic of Market Drayton?" It is Cheshire Street, and on the right is the Royal Oak Inn (the licensee's name looks something like Blockley), and on the left is the Drovers Arms (licensee's name is Roden). Immediately below that pub sign is what looks like the Butter Cross. If this really is the oldest picture it may be from around the 1850s and the absence of people will be deceptive, as they will have been rendered invisible thanks to a long exposure time. This same picture was used in the Newport and Market Drayton Advertiser of May 1, 1964, which described it as being 100 years ago, which would make the date 1864, which is rather late for an "oldest picture." | Shropshire Star archive

Photo Sales
There's something spilling into the street in this picture of Lower Bar, Newport. Coal perhaps? The photo looks like it may be from around the 1860s. It was taken by H Howle, a photographer in Newport in Victorian times, based in the High Street. He took many pictures, many of which were cartes de visite of local people, over several decades.

16. Somebody's dumped something in Lower Bar

There's something spilling into the street in this picture of Lower Bar, Newport. Coal perhaps? The photo looks like it may be from around the 1860s. It was taken by H Howle, a photographer in Newport in Victorian times, based in the High Street. He took many pictures, many of which were cartes de visite of local people, over several decades. | Malcolm Miles Collection

Photo Sales
Previous
4 / 10
Next Page
Related topics:VictorianPhotography
Local news you can trust
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice