Step back to 1962 and see Shropshire as it looked more than 60 years ago.
From quiet village streets and country lanes to busy town centres, schools, railway stations and workplaces, these photographs capture familiar places at a time when the county was beginning to change.
For some, they will bring back memories of childhood, old shops and places that have long since vanished; for others, they offer a glimpse of a Shropshire they never knew.
Take a look through the gallery – how many people, places and memories can you recognise? Tell us what you remember in the comments.
- Did you see our gallery of this ‘lovely’ Shropshire town? See all 35 pictures here.
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5. Can you uncover the story behind this Cleobury stone?
This unassuming sandstone block in Cleobury Mortimer High Street held a remarkable history when it was photographed on October 23, 1962. Few people in the town knew its story at the time, with even Mrs Edith Harris, who had lived there for 40 years before moving to Bewdley, puzzled by its origins. The block was the old market cross, where Hugh de Mortimer is said to have erected his gallows in the 13th century. Centuries later, in 1502, the coffin of the young Prince Arthur was reportedly rested on the cross during its journey from Ludlow Castle to Worcester Cathedral. Would you have guessed that such an ordinary-looking stone had such a past? Do you remember seeing it in Cleobury Mortimer? | Shropshire Star archive
6. A glimpse of life at Stokesay Court
Stokesay Court, at Onibury near Ludlow, is pictured on October 2, 1962, when it was the private home of Sir Philip and Lady Magnus Allcroft. Described at the time as “a stately home that is a home”, the photograph offers a glimpse of the grand house as it was lived in more than 60 years ago. What do you imagine everyday life was like behind these doors? Do you remember Stokesay Court or the family who lived there? | Shropshire Star archive
7. A final look at Astley Abbotts School
Two boys take a look at Astley Abbotts School, near Bridgnorth, on July 27, 1962 – the day the school closed because so few children lived in the area. Most of its pupils were expected to move to St Leonard’s School in Bridgnorth. What might have been going through the boys’ minds as they looked at the school on its final day? Do you remember Astley Abbotts School, or know anyone who went there? | Shropshire Star archive
8. A round of golf at Hawkstone Park in 1962
Lord Hill of Coton Hall, near Wem, is pictured on the first tee at Hawkstone Park Golf Club in 1962, with his dog by his side and the Hawkstone Park Hotel in the background. The photograph was shared by John Ruscoe, who said Lord Hill was secretary of the golf club at the time. The hotel, built around 1790, originally provided accommodation for visitors to the famous Hawkstone Park follies when the estate was owned by the Hill family. Can you imagine arriving here for a round of golf more than 60 years ago? Do you remember visiting Hawkstone Park or the hotel? | Picture courtesy of John Ruscoe