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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17. A mountain of suds at Wappenshall
A mammoth build-up of suds had formed in the old lock of the Trench arm of the Shropshire Union Canal near Wappenshall when this photograph was taken on February 17, 1964. Farmer Mr Eddie Bromley is pictured beside the unusual sight near his farm. The foaming canal made for a memorable scene in the Shropshire countryside, but what caused the huge build-up remains a mystery. Do you remember the old canal at Wappenshall? Did you ever see anything like this there? | Shropshire Star archive
18. The Knockin policeman and his brave companion
Police Constable Bob Roberts, of Knockin, is pictured with police dog Taxel on February 7, 1962. A dog handler with the local police, Bob was later awarded the George Medal in recognition of his bravery. The photograph captures a familiar sight from the era, when specially trained police dogs played an important role alongside their handlers. Do you remember PC Bob Roberts or police dog Taxel? Do you remember seeing police dog handlers around Shropshire in the 1960s? | Shropshire Star archive
19. Campaigners face riders at Chesterton
Members of the League Against Cruel Sports gathered at Chesterton, near Bridgnorth, on March 14, 1964, as they campaigned against blood sports. Facing riders on horseback, the group made their opposition clear in a striking scene from rural Shropshire. The photograph captures a moment of community activism in the countryside more than 60 years ago, when campaigners took their cause directly to the places where hunting took place. Do you remember seeing campaigners at Chesterton? Do you remember this period of campaigning in rural Shropshire? | Shropshire Star archive
20. Echoes of 1651: Where a fleeing king once dined
Leaning against a wooden gate etched with the year 1950, two unidentified men look on as history quietly fades away. Captured in August 1963, this photograph records the crumbling remnants of Hobbal Grange near Tong—the very haven where a defeated King Charles II stopped for supper while fleeing through Shropshire following the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Though the venerable ruined cottage remained standing through December 1966 before its eventual demolition, this moment freezes a gentle pause in time: an everyday afternoon spent gazing at the forgotten stones that once sheltered a monarch. Do you remember visiting Hobbal Grange or seeing other historic landmarks in the area before they disappeared? | Shropshire Star archive