Former employees visit Coalport China Works on July 17, 1976. The original caption reads: 'Time to remember for ex-employees at the old Coalport Potteries, Telford. A gathering of retired workers met at the potteries on Saturday and are seen looking at the renovated workings during their visit.' placeholder image
Former employees visit Coalport China Works on July 17, 1976. The original caption reads: 'Time to remember for ex-employees at the old Coalport Potteries, Telford. A gathering of retired workers met at the potteries on Saturday and are seen looking at the renovated workings during their visit.' | Shropshire Star

Shropshire in 1976: 21 fascinating retro photos that bring the year back to life

By Tania Taylor
Published 26th Mar 2026, 13:12 BST
Updated 26th Mar 2026, 16:10 BST

It’s remembered for its long, hot summer, the Bay City Rollers at their peak, and Harold Wilson stepping down as Prime Minister.

We take a look back across the county in 1976 to relive some of the moments, scenes and stories that shaped the year.

Scroll through the black and white photos, including a visit from a former England ‘66 star and manager, royalty, and many local faces that made the headlines 50 years ago.

Don’t forget to share your memories with us in the comments.

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Cars parked at Wem on July 6, 1976. Visible business are Talbot Launderette, Gaytime, and Farmgate.

5. Wem 1976

Cars parked at Wem on July 6, 1976. Visible business are Talbot Launderette, Gaytime, and Farmgate. | Shropshire Star

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Workshop staff at Shrewsbury Fire Station prepare a Green Goddess fire engine for service for use during the drought of 1976 after the fire service had its busiest day ever with a record number of calls, committing every machine in the county. This picture dates from about August 24, 1976.

6. Shrewsbury 1976

Workshop staff at Shrewsbury Fire Station prepare a Green Goddess fire engine for service for use during the drought of 1976 after the fire service had its busiest day ever with a record number of calls, committing every machine in the county. This picture dates from about August 24, 1976. | Shropshire Star

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Film star David Niven, third from left, during filming of 'Candleshoe' on the Severn Valley Railway, on November 3, 1976.

7. Bridgnorth 1976

Film star David Niven, third from left, during filming of 'Candleshoe' on the Severn Valley Railway, on November 3, 1976. | Shropshire Star

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Work on the new Malinslee local centre in November 1976, t original caption reads: 'Site agent Mr Bob Caulcott (right) with Mr Denis Nash (foreman bricklayer) with the new Malinslee shopping centre in the background. The new centre, it is hoped, will be open before Christmas and cater for about 3,000 residents on the Malinslee estate.'

8. Malinslee 1976

Work on the new Malinslee local centre in November 1976, t original caption reads: 'Site agent Mr Bob Caulcott (right) with Mr Denis Nash (foreman bricklayer) with the new Malinslee shopping centre in the background. The new centre, it is hoped, will be open before Christmas and cater for about 3,000 residents on the Malinslee estate.' | Shropshire Star

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