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.
17. Final stages
A digger at work on the final stages of the Park's demolition. What happened next may sound familiar by now. The site was simply left empty and remains empty to this day. | Shropshire Star
18. Stop the pigeon
The Pigeon Box pub, St Georges, which was empty and disused, was severely damaged in a fire on August 28, 2008. It would never fly again. | Shropshire Star
19. The Green Man
The Green Man on Mill Bank, Wellington, which after its closure remained empty for a long time and constantly vandalised. | Fred Brown
20. Man down
The Green Man was demolished in January 1999. Afterwards a development called Greenman Close was built on the site, which upset, among others, local historian, the late Allan Frost, because it did not accurately reflect the name of the pub. He said omitting the space was not just confusing but an insult to the town's heritage. The lobbying was a success and the all-important gap was subsequently inserted, the name being changed to Green Man Close. | Shropshire Star