From royal visits and Silver Jubilee celebrations to factory floors and everyday moments, these photographs offer a fascinating glimpse of life across the Black Country and Staffordshire in 1977.
It was a year of big occasions and ordinary routines, with plenty of characters and stories captured along the way. We’ve delved into the archives to bring you a collection of pictures that show how much has changed - and how much remains familiar.
Some scenes may bring back memories of places you knew, people you remember or jobs you once did, while others offer a glimpse into a world that has almost disappeared. Take a look through the gallery and see which pictures spark a memory.
Do you recognise anyone? Where were you in 1977? And what do you remember most about the year? Share your memories in the comments.
Take a look back at 1990 in our previous gallery here.
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21. A Christmas shopping rush
Rackhams in Snow Hill, Wolverhampton, was so crowded during its December 1977 sale that shop fittings had to be removed simply to give the hordes of customers more room to move around. It captures just how busy the high street could become during the Christmas shopping season, long before online shopping changed the way we bought our presents. Do you remember the excitement of the big sales? Which shops did you head for when you were doing your Christmas shopping? | Express & Star archive
22. A scarf with a famous name
Walsall manager Dave Mackay brandished a scarf bearing his own name when he was pictured in March 1977. Mackay, one of the most recognisable figures in British football at the time, clearly had no problem putting his name on display. Do you remember Dave Mackay’s time at Walsall? Were you following the Saddlers in 1977? | Express & Star archive
23. A closer look at the tower blocks
Engineers were carrying out safety checks in January 1977 after complaints of falling masonry from seven tower blocks. At Wychbury Court, off Reservoir Road on the Rowley Hall Estate in Rowley Regis, an aerial platform was being used to inspect the building. The photograph offers a glimpse of the work involved in checking high-rise homes and keeping them safe. Do you remember Wychbury Court or any of the other tower blocks in the area? Did you ever live in one of them? | Express & Star archive
24. The stunt that had everyone watching
Taking a dip, Evel Knievel style, was Malcolm Wright, the Brownhills daredevil who risked his neck for one of the main attractions at the annual Lichfield Sailing Club regatta in July 1977. Malcolm, of Bridge Street, hurtled off the end of a ramp and into Stowe Pool, Lichfield, in a stunt that must have had spectators holding their breath. It was certainly one way to make an impression at a summer event. Would you have been brave enough to take the plunge? And can you remember any local daredevils who were famous for their stunts? | Express & Star archive