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.
29. Sparks fly
Sparks and flames grip the building as firefighters rush to bring up more equipment | Shropshire Star
30. The life cycle of the Red Admiral: birth
Putting the finishing touches to the Red Admiral at Sutton Hill on May 31, 1968. | Shropshire Star
31. Decrepit old age
The Red Admiral closed in about September 2006. Here it is on December 13 that year, by which time it had already been hit by at least two arson attacks. | Shropshire Star
32. Cremation
Worse was to follow. This was the scene in May 2007 after another arson attack. | Shropshire Star