Modern times have not been good times for Britain’s pubs, and there have been a huge number of closures.
Like other areas, Telford has been hit hard, and many a local has been lost forever. In some cases the pub building has been converted and given another life, like, for instance, the former Pear Tree Bridge Inn at Oakengates, which was turned into flats, or the Royal Oak in Madeley, which is now an Indian restaurant.
Often though the pattern has been of demolition followed by redevelopment, with perhaps the name of the former pub being remembered in some way by whatever is built on the site.
Then there are those pubs which have had a less dignified fate, with their grim story being: closed down, burned down, knocked down.
In our photo selection we showcase just a few of Telford’s disappeared pubs and clubs from relatively recent years. They were once lively, social places of laughter and chat, drinking and darts, music and pool. Now gone.
Raise a glass and say goodbye.
5. The Coddon club
The Coddon Pavilion at Wellington Road, Donnington, at the time of its opening in 1966. This picture is copied direct from the Newport Advertiser of Friday, November 4, 1966. The accompanying story began: "There was a large and representative gathering on Saturday (so October 29, 1966) at the new Coddon Club Pavilion, Donnington, recently completed at Wellington Road Sports Ground for the Coddon Sports and Social Club which replaces an old temporary building which had reached the end of its useful life." Coddon, by the way, is derived from COD Donnington. | Newport Advertiser
6. Last days
As you can see, the Coddon pavilion was later rebuilt. Here it is in December 2010, shortly before its closure the following April. It was not long before the empty building was hit by a major fire and was subsequently demolished. | Shropshire Star
7. End of the reign
The Queens Arms on the corner of Finger Road and Hinkshay Road in Dawley. Barriers have just gone round it along with signs warning of demolition in progress. The date was Monday, July 29, 2013. | Shropshire Star
8. One eyesore after another
As the Queens Arms stood empty local councillors condemned it as an "eyesore" and it was demolished in 2013. Ironically what was left was an eyesore, an empty and overgrown site. This is it in January 2016. Boarding was later put up but, to date, the site remains empty. | Shropshire Star