Take a trip back more than 60 years to the Shropshire of the 1960s, when everyday life looked very different to today.
From bustling workplaces, school classrooms, and parish gatherings to changing landmarks, visiting stars, and quiet countryside moments, these archive pictures capture the people and places that shaped our county's heritage. Presented in no particular order, the gallery features long-lost buildings, early New Town developments, proud local traditions, and plenty of snapshots that are sure to spark fond memories.
Whether you remember these days first-hand or are simply curious to see how Shropshire looked during a decade of dramatic change, take a look through our gallery and see how many of the people, places, and scenes you recognise.
What aspect of 1960s Shropshire life do you miss the most, or is there a particular local event from that era you still remember clearly? Share your memories in the comments.
- In case you missed it: 27 rare photos revealing life inside one of Shropshire's most secret establishments. View them here.
- 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
69. Standing alone as the diggers move in on Madeley
A solitary brick building housing a licensed betting shop stands isolated amidst earthmoving machinery and piles of rubble during the construction of the new Madeley bypass. Photographed on 20 September 1967, the striking scene captures heavy transformation in progress across the area. A worker carrying equipment walks past mud and debris as excavators carve out new road links, leaving old premises surrounded by cleared land as Telford's early infrastructure began taking shape. Do you remember watching the construction of the Madeley bypass in 1967, or do you recall this betting shop before the area was transformed? | Shropshire Star archive
70. Making light work of a heavy load past the Buck's Head in Wellington
A massive 49-ton Pickfords transporter crawls along Watling Street in Wellington on 10 May 1969, hauling an enormous 89-foot steel girder bound for London. Manufactured locally by Adamson Alliance of Horsehay for the London Transport Board, the colossal cargo needed a full police escort to navigate local roads, passing right outside the Buck's Head pub. The impressive sight brought traffic to a near standstill, offering a grand reminder of Shropshire's mighty engineering heritage. Do you remember seeing these massive industrial loads rumble through Wellington, or did you get caught in the traffic jams as the heavy transport passed by? | Shropshire Star archive
71. A perspective view of the old footbridge at Bridgnorth station
Framed by its distinctive arched ironwork, the long pedestrian footbridge at Bridgnorth railway station spans across the tracks in this striking photograph taken on 14 February 1967. Captured by photographer D G Salter of Oldbury, the atmospheric print records the historic structure during the early preservation era of the Severn Valley Railway. The original footbridge was later dismantled and replaced, making this image a valuable record of the station's changing skyline over the decades. Do you remember walking across this original footbridge at Bridgnorth station before it was replaced? | Picture courtesy of D G Salter
72. International honour for Captain Matthew Webb in Dawley
Professor Jane Katz proudly holds up a commemorative plaque from the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Florida during a special ceremony at Dawley Civic Centre in July 1969. Looking on is former county physical education adviser Miss Margaret Jarvis (seated left), whose campaign led to the global recognition of Captain Matthew Webb, the Dawley-born swimmer who became the first person to cross the English Channel. The presentation was welcomed by local leaders keen to celebrate Dawley’s proud heritage amidst the rapid creation of Telford New Town. Do you remember when Captain Matthew Webb was honoured at Dawley Civic Centre back in the summer of 1969? | Shropshire Star archive