Shropshire retro: 21 pictures to take you back to 1990 featuring protests, an earthquake and a Wolves legend in Telford

In 1990, the UK saw significant social and political upheaval, most notably the large-scale poll tax riots in London and the subsequent resignation of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

By Tania Taylor
Published 22nd Nov 2025, 06:00 BST

It was also the year that engineers broke through the final section of rock between the two halves of the Channel Tunnel’s service tunnel, creating the first physical link between Britain and France, while the year’s biggest films included blockbuster hits such as Ghost, Home Alone, and Pretty Woman.

Locally, Shropshire experienced one of the most powerful earthquakes to strike Britain in a century. The entire county felt the impact, with Shrewsbury hit particularly hard. Buildings shook violently, masonry crashed into the streets and parts of the town had to be sealed off for safety.

Let’s take a look at some of the dramatic images and other memorable moments and faces captured in these photographs from the Shropshire Star archives.

The caption reads: 'The new Sainsbury's store at Old Park, one of the major new developments in the Telford centre area.' January 9, 1990placeholder image
The caption reads: 'The new Sainsbury's store at Old Park, one of the major new developments in the Telford centre area.' January 9, 1990
Storm damage in Shrewsbury in February 1990. The caption reads: 'One Shrewsbury garden looked as though it had been struck by an earthquake. Two garden sheds at the home of Mrs Pat Milsom, of Stonehurst Drive, were upended when a 90 foot Scots Pine was uprooted.' It was carried with a number of stories about storms lashing the British Islesplaceholder image
Storm damage in Shrewsbury in February 1990. The caption reads: 'One Shrewsbury garden looked as though it had been struck by an earthquake. Two garden sheds at the home of Mrs Pat Milsom, of Stonehurst Drive, were upended when a 90 foot Scots Pine was uprooted.' It was carried with a number of stories about storms lashing the British Isles
Princess Anne flicks through the visitors book after adding her signature at the official opening of the Telford Hospital on February 12, 1990. On her visit it became known as the Princess Royal Hospital, Telfordplaceholder image
Princess Anne flicks through the visitors book after adding her signature at the official opening of the Telford Hospital on February 12, 1990. On her visit it became known as the Princess Royal Hospital, Telford
A poll tax protest on the evening of March 7, 1990, when hundreds of demonstrators laid siege to Malinslee House, Telford, where councillors of Wrekin Council were sitting to set the local poll tax for the first timeplaceholder image
A poll tax protest on the evening of March 7, 1990, when hundreds of demonstrators laid siege to Malinslee House, Telford, where councillors of Wrekin Council were sitting to set the local poll tax for the first time
Taken in the aftermath of an earthquake which hit Shropshire on Monday, April 2, 1990. The epicentre was near Clun and this picture shows the Gwilliam family of Guilden Farm - the epicentre was under the farm so they were literally the family at the centre of the quake. Left to right: Mrs Rosalind Gwilliam, Debbie Gwilliam, Lois Gwilliam, and Jason Tyrrelplaceholder image
Taken in the aftermath of an earthquake which hit Shropshire on Monday, April 2, 1990. The epicentre was near Clun and this picture shows the Gwilliam family of Guilden Farm - the epicentre was under the farm so they were literally the family at the centre of the quake. Left to right: Mrs Rosalind Gwilliam, Debbie Gwilliam, Lois Gwilliam, and Jason Tyrrel
Following the earthquake which hit Shropshire on Monday, April 2, 1990, pictured is Mrs Bessie Roberts, aged 83, outside her 'devastated home' (her chimney had been toppled) in Victoria Street, Castlefields, Shrewsburyplaceholder image
Following the earthquake which hit Shropshire on Monday, April 2, 1990, pictured is Mrs Bessie Roberts, aged 83, outside her 'devastated home' (her chimney had been toppled) in Victoria Street, Castlefields, Shrewsbury
Taken in the aftermath of the April 1990 earthquake, these are firefighters making safe a damaged chimney in Victoria Street, Shrewsburyplaceholder image
Taken in the aftermath of the April 1990 earthquake, these are firefighters making safe a damaged chimney in Victoria Street, Shrewsbury
Inspecting possible damage following the earthquake in Shrewsbury, April 1990placeholder image
Inspecting possible damage following the earthquake in Shrewsbury, April 1990

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Related topics:WolvesMargaret ThatcherShropshireLondonFranceShrewsbury

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