Step back into 1970s Wellington and see a familiar market town in the midst of dramatic change.
As the new town of Telford expanded around it, Wellington was reshaped during a decade of demolition, construction and redevelopment. Streets were altered, old buildings came down and new roads, pedestrian schemes and developments began to change the town’s appearance. Places such as Groom’s Alley and Tan Bank were transformed, creating a very different-looking Wellington from the one people knew before.
Yet among the building works and changing streetscapes, there are plenty of reminders of everyday life – familiar shops and businesses, busy roads, local landmarks and the people who lived and worked in the town.
Drawn from the Shropshire Star archive, these photographs capture Wellington as it looked during the 1970s – from demolition and construction to ordinary scenes of town life.
Take a stroll through the gallery and see how many streets, buildings, shops and familiar faces you can recognise. What do you remember about Wellington in the 1970s? Let us know in the comments.
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25. Behind the scenes with the projectionist keeping local cinema magic alive
Chief projectionist Nigel Howard carefully threads a film reel through the Westrex projector high above the auditorium at the Clifton Cinema on June 16, 1979. The rare behind-the-scenes photograph captures the detailed technical work required to bring the latest blockbusters to moviegoers in Wellington. Serving as a central entertainment hub for generations of locals, the Clifton's projection room remained the vital heart of the popular venue throughout the silver screen era. Do you remember watching films at the Clifton Cinema back in the late 1970s? | Shropshire Star archive
26. Excitement mounts ahead of North African adventure
Party leader Mrs Elaine Beamond reviews a travel brochure with eager pupils from Charlton School, Dothill, prior to their departure for Tunisia in April 1975. The group set off on an eight-day trip to Sousse, accompanied by headmistress Mrs H.M. Rafferty and head of upper school Mr N.P. Howson. International educational trips were an exciting highlight for school children, offering a rare opportunity to explore new cultures and Mediterranean landscapes firsthand. Were you one of the Charlton School pupils who went on the memorable trip to Tunisia in 1975? | Shropshire Star archive
27. Historic brewery landmark falls to make way for redevelopment
Clouds of dust rise as contractors bring down the imposing 70ft brick chimney at the former Wrekin Brewery site in Wellington on January 15, 1975. The dramatic demolition marked the final stages of clearance for one of the town’s most prominent industrial heritage sites, paving the way for modern urban renewal. For decades, the towering structure had stood as a familiar skyline feature, serving as a reminder of Wellington's rich brewing tradition. Do you remember watching the old Wrekin Brewery chimney come down or seeing the site cleared in 1975? | Shropshire Star archive
28. Memorial bench presented to town council in churchyard ceremony
Mrs Connie Meakin presents a wooden bench to Wellington Urban District Council at All Saints Parish Church on July 9, 1972, in memory of her late husband, former local businessman Mr Bill Meakin. Pictured from left are Mr R.G. Rushen, clerk of the council, Mrs Meakin, and Councillor Tom Broadhurst, council chairman. Visible across the street in the background is the familiar facade of the Serendipity shop on Church Street. Do you remember visiting the Serendipity store on Church Street or resting on the memorial bench in the churchyard during the 1970s? | Shropshire Star archive