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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29. A warm send-off for popular venue proprietors
Staff members from the Wellington Town House gather at the Red Lion Hotel on Holyhead Road on the evening of October 13, 1970, to host a farewell party for outgoing proprietors Mr and Mrs Terry Heath. Pictured in the centre surrounded by colleagues, friends, and family raising a glass, the couple received flowers and gifts ahead of their departure from the district. The lively gathering highlighted the close-knit community behind one of the town’s premier social and entertainment venues. Do you remember attending events at the Town House during Mr and Mrs Heath's time running the venue? | Shropshire Star archive
30. A sweeping panoramic view across the rooftops of Wellington
Looking out from Constitution Hill, this general view captures the sprawling landscape of Wellington in 1973, with the distinctive outline of The Wrekin rising in the background. The photograph highlights the mixture of traditional residential streets, chimneypots, and modern developments taking shape as the historic Shropshire market town evolved during the early 1970s. Do you recognise the rooftops and streets looking down over Wellington from Constitution Hill in 1973? | Shropshire Star archive Photo: A sweeping panoramic view across the rooftops of Wellington
31. Handcrafted success for practical exam pupils
Fifth-year pupils at Wellington Boys Modern School proudly showcase an impressive collection of handcrafted furniture in December 1970. The group - from left, Steve Doodson, Frank Beckett, Kevin Cartwright, Stuart Leech, Andrew Williams, and Glenn Jones - built the benches and chairs using traditional country craft techniques for their CSE examinations. Once their practical skills had been formally assessed, the talented students were allowed to take their handmade creations home. Do you remember taking woodwork or practical craft exams at Wellington Boys Modern School in the 1970s? | Shropshire Star archive
32. World Cup heroes share a laugh at Bucks Head centenary clash
England legend Jack Charlton (standing right) and World Cup winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks (seated left) share a joke while signing a match ball on October 11, 1976. Looking on are referee Bert Newsome (far left), Norman Hunter, and Roger Hunt (second right, beside Charlton). Members of the famous 1966 World Cup squad reunited at Wellington's Bucks Head ground to play a special anniversary match celebrating the centenary of Telford United FC, drawing delighted local football fans to witness English sporting royalty up close. Do you remember seeing the 1966 World Cup heroes take the pitch at the Bucks Head back in October 1976? | Shropshire Star archive