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.
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13. A donkey among the ruins of Acton Burnell
While politicians battled for votes and a seat at Westminster, this donkey appeared rather more interested in a quiet afternoon among the ruins of the old Parliament at Acton Burnell in October 1964. The site, also known as Parliament Barn, is traditionally associated with the 13th-century Parliament held at Acton Burnell, when representatives gathered to discuss the affairs of state. By 1964, little remained but the old stone walls - and a donkey enjoying the shade. Do you remember visiting Acton Burnell as a child? Have you ever explored the ruins of Parliament Barn? | Shropshire Star archive
14. Home baking with wheat from the farm
Mrs S Mayall of Lea Hall, Harmer Hill, is pictured slicing a small homemade loaf on July 23, 1960, with a plate of butter ready beside her. The wheat used to make the bread had been supplied by her husband, giving this simple kitchen scene a lovely connection to the family farm. It’s a charming glimpse of a time when making your own bread could be part of everyday rural life in Shropshire. Do you remember homemade bread like this? Did your family grow or use its own wheat for baking? | Shropshire Star archive
15. A quiet morning at the Umbrella House
The distinctive Umbrella House near Wellington stands quietly beside the road on February 25, 1960, with a man sweeping outside its unusual canopy roof. The charming landmark, dating back to 1835, was once a toll-house and had long been admired for its distinctive design. This peaceful scene captures the building as it appeared more than 60 years ago, before the bustle of modern traffic. Do you remember the Umbrella House? Did you ever stop to admire its unusual roof when passing through the area? | Shropshire Star archive
16. Coalbrookdale Works and the generations beneath its shadow
Coalbrookdale Works and the graveyard of Coalbrookdale church are pictured on January 20, 1965, in a scene steeped in Shropshire’s industrial history. It was here that Abraham Darby developed the process of using coal to smelt iron, helping to transform the iron industry. For generations afterwards, people lived, worked and were laid to rest in the shadow of the famous works. Do you remember Coalbrookdale when the works were still part of the local landscape? Did your family have connections with the ironworks? | Shropshire Star archive