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
Shrewsbury market hall, built in the late 1860s, and demolished and replaced in the early 1960s. This picture came from veteran Shrewsbury photographer, the late Bernard Cross. The photographer who took the picture seems to have had an early start. The market hall clock gives the time as 6.55 and if that is correct it must be 6.55am as we are looking at the eastern end of the building and, from the shadows, the sun is behind us.

29. The early bird...

Shrewsbury market hall, built in the late 1860s, and demolished and replaced in the early 1960s. This picture came from veteran Shrewsbury photographer, the late Bernard Cross. The photographer who took the picture seems to have had an early start. The market hall clock gives the time as 6.55 and if that is correct it must be 6.55am as we are looking at the eastern end of the building and, from the shadows, the sun is behind us. | Bernard Cross

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"Shropshire County Constabulary in 1859. Captain Crampton, Chief Constable, 1859 to 1864." It would be reasonable to assume Crampton is the chap in the foreground. The exact location of the picture is uncertain but may be the old county police headquarters in Swan Hill, Shrewsbury. This picture was saved when the police moved out of the headquarters to move to Monkmoor.

30. Keeping law and order

"Shropshire County Constabulary in 1859. Captain Crampton, Chief Constable, 1859 to 1864." It would be reasonable to assume Crampton is the chap in the foreground. The exact location of the picture is uncertain but may be the old county police headquarters in Swan Hill, Shrewsbury. This picture was saved when the police moved out of the headquarters to move to Monkmoor. | Shropshire Star

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A man sits at the junction of High Street and Milk Street in Shrewsbury to have his shoes shined, and by staying still he has registered on the image while the shoe shiner, who was no doubt moving about, has not. The photo is thought to date from around 1866. Behind the man is W Hall's auction rooms, and "The Old Post Office Commercial Inn," with W Hussey next along.

31. Shine on

A man sits at the junction of High Street and Milk Street in Shrewsbury to have his shoes shined, and by staying still he has registered on the image while the shoe shiner, who was no doubt moving about, has not. The photo is thought to date from around 1866. Behind the man is W Hall's auction rooms, and "The Old Post Office Commercial Inn," with W Hussey next along. | David Trumper

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The Welsh Bridge, Shrewsbury, with Morris' old bakery on the right. The river level is very low, but we should remember that it was not until the early 20th century that Shrewsbury weir was built, stabilising levels.

32. Down by the river

The Welsh Bridge, Shrewsbury, with Morris' old bakery on the right. The river level is very low, but we should remember that it was not until the early 20th century that Shrewsbury weir was built, stabilising levels. | Gordon Willocks

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