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
Here's a bit of industrial and transport history. These are Coalbrookdale Company plateway wagons loaded with limestone. The location is not given, but will be in the Ironbridge Gorge. This picture came from Shrewsbury author and historian the late David Trumper, but it was one of a number in an album he was given by a woman who did not want to be identified.

25. Industrial transport in the Ironbridge Gorge

Here's a bit of industrial and transport history. These are Coalbrookdale Company plateway wagons loaded with limestone. The location is not given, but will be in the Ironbridge Gorge. This picture came from Shrewsbury author and historian the late David Trumper, but it was one of a number in an album he was given by a woman who did not want to be identified. | David Trumper

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Victorians who wanted to cross the River Severn in the Ironbridge Gorge had to pay. There was a toll to cross the Iron Bridge, and a fee to go by ferry, which mixed expense with potential danger. This is said to be Coalport ferry, but the building up the rise on the left looks like the old Bird in Hand pub, so it may well be Jackfield ferry.

26. Ferry story

Victorians who wanted to cross the River Severn in the Ironbridge Gorge had to pay. There was a toll to cross the Iron Bridge, and a fee to go by ferry, which mixed expense with potential danger. This is said to be Coalport ferry, but the building up the rise on the left looks like the old Bird in Hand pub, so it may well be Jackfield ferry. | David Trumper

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Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury, in 1891, with the Nags Head on the right. It is a street scene which hasn't really changed all that much, apart from the tyranny of modern traffic.

27. Wyle Cop without the cars

Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury, in 1891, with the Nags Head on the right. It is a street scene which hasn't really changed all that much, apart from the tyranny of modern traffic. | Shropshire Star archive

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1st Shropshire Artillery Volunteers, Shrewsbury, in 1860. It is an informal group of officers in patrol jackets, NCOs and gunners in stable dress and white fatigue jackets, with a sprinkling of policemen wearing top hats.

28. Young guns, but where's the artillery?

1st Shropshire Artillery Volunteers, Shrewsbury, in 1860. It is an informal group of officers in patrol jackets, NCOs and gunners in stable dress and white fatigue jackets, with a sprinkling of policemen wearing top hats. | Soldiers of Shropshire Museum

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