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.
13. The All Labour in Vain
One of the standout features of the All Labour In Vain on Wellington Road, Horsehay, was its pub sign, which was not exactly politically correct. It depicted... well, perhaps you'd better look it up. It mattered not in the end because the pub closed down and is seen here awaiting its fate in March 2012. | Shropshire Star
14. End of its labours
Here is the rubble of the former pub in May 2015 . According to one local the pub was demolished the previous November. The site has been redeveloped. | Shropshire Star
15. Pub victim of Madeley centre destruction
The Commercial Inn, Madeley, was demolished as part of the redevelopment of the Madeley High Street area, an early example of what Telford new town would bring to the traditional communities. The destruction of Madeley centre was naturally very unpopular with locals and came to be widely recognised as a mistake. The photo dates from February 1970 when demolition was either under way or imminent. | Shropshire Star
16. Taking the top off
The Park Inn at the junction of Park Lane and Ironbridge Road, Madeley, on July 11, 2013, at the start of its demolition. Some of the roof is already missing. | Shropshire Star