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
That's Shrewsbury's ancient market hall left of centre, which will help you get your bearings. The picture was originally loaned by Andrew Dyas of Dyas Bros, whose premises were off the photo to the left. Opened on October 10, 1891, at 14 The Square, the fashion store was ultimately renamed Jane Dyas, after his daughter. The premises would become an Italian restaurant a few years ago.

33. Market hall view

That's Shrewsbury's ancient market hall left of centre, which will help you get your bearings. The picture was originally loaned by Andrew Dyas of Dyas Bros, whose premises were off the photo to the left. Opened on October 10, 1891, at 14 The Square, the fashion store was ultimately renamed Jane Dyas, after his daughter. The premises would become an Italian restaurant a few years ago. | Andrew Dyas

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Mardol Head, Shrewsbury, probably in the early 1860s and certainly before around 1867, as these buildings were among those knocked down to make way for the Victorian Shrewsbury market hall. The photographer has his back to Pride Hill, and you are looking down Shoplatch. The George Hotel is on the left in the distance. Thomas's was a toy shop. The pillars on the first floor windows were taken to Court House, Mountfields, but do not survive today.

34. Thomas' for toys

Mardol Head, Shrewsbury, probably in the early 1860s and certainly before around 1867, as these buildings were among those knocked down to make way for the Victorian Shrewsbury market hall. The photographer has his back to Pride Hill, and you are looking down Shoplatch. The George Hotel is on the left in the distance. Thomas's was a toy shop. The pillars on the first floor windows were taken to Court House, Mountfields, but do not survive today. | David Trumper

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You get a feel for the hustle and bustle of Shrewsbury market in this picture taken in The Square in the 1860s, after which the market moved to the newly-built market hall.

35. Grabbing a bargain

You get a feel for the hustle and bustle of Shrewsbury market in this picture taken in The Square in the 1860s, after which the market moved to the newly-built market hall. | David Trumper

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Wem Grammar School, Easter 1900, so at the very end of the Victorian era. The headmaster at the time was J. Ohm. This photo came from Keith Reynolds, of Kinnerley, near Oswestry. His grandfather William Victor Reynolds will be on this photo, but he was not sure which one he was. He was born in 1888 at Acton Burnell.

36. End of an era

Wem Grammar School, Easter 1900, so at the very end of the Victorian era. The headmaster at the time was J. Ohm. This photo came from Keith Reynolds, of Kinnerley, near Oswestry. His grandfather William Victor Reynolds will be on this photo, but he was not sure which one he was. He was born in 1888 at Acton Burnell. | Keith Reynolds

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