Step back in time to 1970 with a fascinating collection of photographs capturing life across Wolverhampton, the Black Country and Staffordshire.
From industrial workplaces and civic occasions to everyday street scenes and suburban life, these pictures offer a glimpse of the people, places and traditions that shaped the region at the start of a new decade.
Do you remember any of these places or scenes from 1970? Share your memories in the comments - we’d love to hear your stories.
- 21 nostalgic pictures that prove the good old days were anything but dull – see the pictures here
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13. Unravelling a local name puzzle at an ancient hill fortress
Standing beyond a wrought-iron gate marked with the words BERRY RING, a solitary visitor gazes toward the ancient hill fortress on the outskirts of Stafford on October 31, 1970. The site sparked local debate over whether it should be called Bury Ring or Berry Ring, as roadside signs and Ordnance Survey maps offered conflicting spellings. Local historian Sidney Horne of Rowley Park clarified the mystery, explaining that Bury is historically correct based on the ancient fortress constructed around 700 BC. Do you remember visiting Berry Ring or exploring ancient earthworks and hillforts around Staffordshire? Did you ever notice the conflicting road signs and place names around the outskirts of Stafford back then? | Express & Star archive
14. Rescuing heavy metal relics of a famous manufacturing past
Crouching over heavy iron anvils set on cobbles, Michael Thomas (left), director of the Avoncroft Museum, and Tom Gadd of Manor Lane, Halesowen, inspect industrial artifacts saved from the Cradley chain works on August 3, 1970. As the century-old chainmaking shop was being demolished, key pieces of machinery and tools were carefully salvaged so the historic workshop could be rebuilt and preserved for future generations. The image captures a vital moment in local heritage conservation, ensuring the grit and craftsmanship of the area's iconic chainmaking industry would never be forgotten. Do you remember the old chainmaking shops around Cradley or visiting Avoncroft Museum to see preserved industrial heritage? Did anyone in your family work in the local chain, nail, or iron manufacturing trades back in the day? | Express & Star archive
15. Brothers step forward to swear allegiance side by side
Holding small Bibles in hand, brothers Charles E Williams and David Vaughan Williams from Brereton, Rugeley, take the oath of allegiance at the RAF recruiting office in Wolverhampton on September 22, 1970. Administering the solemn vow before Union Jack and RAF flags is Flying Officer P V A Seaward. Dressed in smart tailored suits, the young brothers marked the beginning of their military service together, embarking on a proud family journey into the armed forces. Do you remember visiting military recruitment offices across the region back in the 1970s? Did anyone in your family sign up for the armed forces or serve in the Royal Air Force during this era? | Express & Star archive
16. Tuning in to a decisive election night victory
Flickering on a classic black-and-white television set, Conservative MP Enoch Powell addresses local voters after being returned to Parliament for the Wolverhampton South West constituency on June 18, 1970. Wearing a large rosette and speaking into a bank of microphones, Powell made national headlines as the TV screen graphic declared that he had doubled his majority. Captured mid-broadcast beside dial controls and news scripts, the image evokes the dramatic election nights of the era when families across the region gathered around the television set to watch the political drama unfold late into the night. Do you remember staying up late to watch the general election returns on television back in June 1970? What are your memories of following local political news around town during that time? | Express & Star archive