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.

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On July 11, 1969, Professor Jane Katz presented a Webb commemorative plaque to Dawley. The plaque was issued by the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Florida, USA, in honour of Captain Matthew Webb, Dawley’s most famous son. Also pictured is Miss M A Jarvis, whose efforts helped secure the recognition. The presentation took place at Dawley Civic Centre amid concerns at the time about the town’s identity following the creation of Telford New Town

13. Dawley Civic Centre event, 1969

On July 11, 1969, Professor Jane Katz presented a Webb commemorative plaque to Dawley. The plaque was issued by the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Florida, USA, in honour of Captain Matthew Webb, Dawley’s most famous son. Also pictured is Miss M A Jarvis, whose efforts helped secure the recognition. The presentation took place at Dawley Civic Centre amid concerns at the time about the town’s identity following the creation of Telford New Town | Picture: Shropshire Star

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Horsehay and Dawley railway station is pictured in February 1962, with a Great Western Railway notice visible on the wall

14. Horsehay and Dawley railway station, 1962

Horsehay and Dawley railway station is pictured in February 1962, with a Great Western Railway notice visible on the wall | Picture: Shropshire Star

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A winter scene at the Dawley War Memorial gates, pictured on February 16, 1963

15. Dawley War Memorial gates, 1963

A winter scene at the Dawley War Memorial gates, pictured on February 16, 1963 | Picture: Shropshire Star

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Rose planting outside the Lord Hill pub on December 7, 1966. The image shows Mr Ronald Parr and Mr Arthur Davies of Dawley Urban District Council’s parks department planting roses as part of efforts to brighten the town. The original caption notes they were “working for a brighter Dawley” as they carried out planting outside the pub

16. Lord Hill pub, 1966

Rose planting outside the Lord Hill pub on December 7, 1966. The image shows Mr Ronald Parr and Mr Arthur Davies of Dawley Urban District Council’s parks department planting roses as part of efforts to brighten the town. The original caption notes they were “working for a brighter Dawley” as they carried out planting outside the pub | Picture: Shropshire Star

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