A Midland Red bus is pictured squeezing through Dawley High Street in the 1970s, highlighting how narrow the road once was before any bypass was built. The image, supplied by former bus driver Terry Humphries, shows a busy street scene with a Dodge lorry and a pram also visible. Terry recalls the bus as likely an S17 operating on the 909 route to Wellington, noting just how tight the conditions were for traffic in the town centre at the timeplaceholder image
A Midland Red bus is pictured squeezing through Dawley High Street in the 1970s, highlighting how narrow the road once was before any bypass was built. The image, supplied by former bus driver Terry Humphries, shows a busy street scene with a Dodge lorry and a pram also visible. Terry recalls the bus as likely an S17 operating on the 909 route to Wellington, noting just how tight the conditions were for traffic in the town centre at the time | Picture courtesy of Terry Humphries

19 nostalgic photos capturing Dawley as it once was

By Tania Taylor
Published 27th May 2026, 10:20 BST
Updated 28th May 2026, 03:20 BST

A look back at Dawley over the years.

This gallery takes a look back at Dawley in days gone by, a town that helped shape modern-day Telford.

Featuring familiar places and the people who brought the area to life, including a memorial to one of its most celebrated figures, these images are sure to spark nostalgia.

If you recognise a place or spot someone you know, share your memories in the comments.

  • You can enjoy this and more with our weekly FREE Nostalgia Newsletter - with scores of archive pictures and exclusive features on the history of Shropshire and Mid Wales - all sent to your inbox every week. Sign up here.
Dawley Modern School Sports and Gala Day in September 1963, later known as Phoenix School. The image shows Mrs R Penrhyn-Owen sampling food prepared by the 2nd Dawley Scout Group on a hot day, while her husband, general manager of Dawley New Town Development Corporation, looks on. Scoutmasters D W Lloyd and W A Edwards are pictured as cooks for the event

9. Dawley Modern School Sports and Gala Day, 1963

Dawley Modern School Sports and Gala Day in September 1963, later known as Phoenix School. The image shows Mrs R Penrhyn-Owen sampling food prepared by the 2nd Dawley Scout Group on a hot day, while her husband, general manager of Dawley New Town Development Corporation, looks on. Scoutmasters D W Lloyd and W A Edwards are pictured as cooks for the event | Picture: Shropshire Star

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Overspill housing on the Langley Farm estate is pictured on May 22, 1959, built to accommodate families relocated from Birmingham. The scheme formed part of the wider “Birmingham overspill” programme, an initiative that ultimately helped pave the way for the creation of Dawley New Town

10. Dawley housing, 1959

Overspill housing on the Langley Farm estate is pictured on May 22, 1959, built to accommodate families relocated from Birmingham. The scheme formed part of the wider “Birmingham overspill” programme, an initiative that ultimately helped pave the way for the creation of Dawley New Town | Picture: Shropshire Star

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A benefit match at the Gay Meadow football ground, believed to date from the late 1940s or 1950s. The photograph shows Shropshire footballers including Wolves and England legends Billy Wright and Johnny Hancocks, with Dawley-born Shrewsbury Town player Jackie Butler seen on the right shaking hands with Wright. Butler was the focus of the benefit match, recognised for his contribution to Shrewsbury Town and local football, and is pictured alongside some of the county’s greatest ever players

11. Jackie Butler, undated

A benefit match at the Gay Meadow football ground, believed to date from the late 1940s or 1950s. The photograph shows Shropshire footballers including Wolves and England legends Billy Wright and Johnny Hancocks, with Dawley-born Shrewsbury Town player Jackie Butler seen on the right shaking hands with Wright. Butler was the focus of the benefit match, recognised for his contribution to Shrewsbury Town and local football, and is pictured alongside some of the county’s greatest ever players | Picture: Shropshire Star

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Roadworks are pictured in Dawley High Street on April 26, 1967, as resurfacing work took place on the busy shopping street. The closure prompted protest from Dawley Urban District Council’s highways and public works committee, with Councillor W Wilkes saying four weeks was “far too long” for such a key route to be shut and urging the work to be completed more quickly

12. High Street, Dawley, 1967

Roadworks are pictured in Dawley High Street on April 26, 1967, as resurfacing work took place on the busy shopping street. The closure prompted protest from Dawley Urban District Council’s highways and public works committee, with Councillor W Wilkes saying four weeks was “far too long” for such a key route to be shut and urging the work to be completed more quickly | Picture: Shropshire Star

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