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.
9. RIP the Dun Cow, aged 197
The loss of the Dun Cow in Dawley was much mourned by locals. Among its facilities were a nice bowling green and a little separate function hall. Here it is in February 2009, bearing a sign which told its story: "RIP The Dun Cow, Dawley, 1811 - 2008, 197 yrs." | Shropshire Star
10. Sun goes down on a Dawley pub
This picture of demolition in progress was taken on March 4, 2009. The site remained empty for quite some time, but has now been redeveloped as a retirement living complex which is now almost ready. | Shropshire Star
11. Trial for the bush
Empty, derelict, and unsightly, the Bush at Hadley awaits demolition. Opened in 1962, it was actually a replacement for a much older Bush pub built on a slightly different site closer to the road. The picture was taken on June 4, 2003. | Shropshire Star
12. Calling time
Demolition in its final stages on October 31, 2003. The site has been left empty and boarded up ever since. | Shropshire Star