Take a nostalgic journey through Market Drayton over the years with this fascinating collection of photographs from the Shropshire Star archives.
Spanning more than a century through to the 1990s, the images capture long-lost shopfronts, school days and familiar local scenes, including the removal of the cupola from the old town hall — likely bound for scrap.
Don’t forget to share your memories in the comments.
Missed our gallery of Telford in the late 1980s? Take a look here.
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9. Beacon Youth Club, Market Drayton, 1948
The laying of the foundation stone for the new Beacon Youth Club, Market Drayton, on April 29, 1948, with Farcroft Lodge in the background, then home of Mr Parker Bowles. The land was donated by Eustace Parker Bowles, while local headmaster and club founder Mr Llewelyn Roberts is pictured among those present. The site, on Longslow Road, is now the Beacon Community Centre. | Picture: Shropshire Star archives
10. Aerial view, Market Drayton, undated
An undated aerial view of Market Drayton town centre, believed to date from the late 1940s or 1950s. | Picture: Shropshire Star
11. Mount Lane Junior School, Market Drayton Swimming Baths, undated
Pupils from Mount Lane Junior School pictured at Market Drayton Swimming Baths, believed to be aged around 9 or 10, sit proudly on the diving board holding their swimming certificates, including “Length” and “Advanced” awards. The print is undated, but thought to date from the 1940s or 1950s. | Picture: Shropshire Star
12. Ritz Cinema, Market Drayton, c.1956
The Ritz Cinema on Cheshire Street, Market Drayton, pictured in the mid-1950s. The cinema is advertising Pardners starring Martin and Lewis, released in 1956, suggesting the image dates from around that time or shortly after. A classic town centre scene from the golden age of cinema-going. | Picture: Shropshire Star