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Bridgnorth in the 1960s: 37 retro pictures capturing the people, places and everyday life of the town

This gallery brings together some of the people and moments that filled the news pages during the 1960s.

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By Tania Taylor
Published

From the local RAF’s final parade through the town to youngsters campaigning for a cinema rather than a bingo hall, take a nostalgic look back at life in Bridgnorth...

The caption accompanying this photograph from September 1961 reads: 'One usually thinks of Bridgnorth as a market town, but when entered from the Stourbridge side (as seen here) there is a rather new look in the form of factories now being built...'
The caption accompanying this photograph from September 1961 reads: 'One usually thinks of Bridgnorth as a market town, but when entered from the Stourbridge side (as seen here) there is a rather new look in the form of factories now being built...'
Youngsters running up the church steps at St Leonard's Church - one of Bridgnorth's many stairways, pictured in August 1960.
Youngsters running up the church steps at St Leonard's Church - one of Bridgnorth's many stairways, pictured in August 1960.
The caption in September 1961 reads: 'Bridgnorth, still as picturesque as ever, and continues to attract visitors from all over the Midlands.'
The caption in September 1961 reads: 'Bridgnorth, still as picturesque as ever, and continues to attract visitors from all over the Midlands.'
March 1961: 'The mayoral mace bearers of Bridgnorth are the only ones in the country to wear RAF uniform when heading civic processions through the town. Corporals Graham Murrell (left) and Thomas Howard, drill instructors, have just been given this official appointment in token of the close ties between the town and the nearby RAF station. The honour has become a tradition since 1951, when the freedom of entry to the town was conferred on the station, where thousands of men have undergone their initial training.'
March 1961: 'The mayoral mace bearers of Bridgnorth are the only ones in the country to wear RAF uniform when heading civic processions through the town. Corporals Graham Murrell (left) and Thomas Howard, drill instructors, have just been given this official appointment in token of the close ties between the town and the nearby RAF station. The honour has become a tradition since 1951, when the freedom of entry to the town was conferred on the station, where thousands of men have undergone their initial training.'
October 24, 1969: 'The Mayor of Bridgnorth, Councillor Michael Ridley, samples the first pint to mark the official opening of the new extensions at the Punch Bowl Inn, Bridgnorth, last night. At the microphone is Mr W T Law, proprietor.'
October 24, 1969: 'The Mayor of Bridgnorth, Councillor Michael Ridley, samples the first pint to mark the official opening of the new extensions at the Punch Bowl Inn, Bridgnorth, last night. At the microphone is Mr W T Law, proprietor.'
Decca factory at Bridgnorth making cassette tapes, October 8, 1969, the caption reads: 'Using buildings built in Bridgnorth in the 1820s, the Decca Record Co. started last month producing a new commodity - tape cassettes - ready for the 1970s. Already large export orders for cassettes have been secured and in 1970 Decca plans to launch its cassettes, pocket-sized containers of taped music, on the home market.'
Decca factory at Bridgnorth making cassette tapes, October 8, 1969, the caption reads: 'Using buildings built in Bridgnorth in the 1820s, the Decca Record Co. started last month producing a new commodity - tape cassettes - ready for the 1970s. Already large export orders for cassettes have been secured and in 1970 Decca plans to launch its cassettes, pocket-sized containers of taped music, on the home market.'
March 1961, the caption read: 'This quiet cobbled walk is typical of the many picturesque corners of the "Queen of the Severn" - Bridgnorth. Known as Castle Walk, it is, as yet, unspoiled by the appendages of the modern age.'
March 1961, the caption read: 'This quiet cobbled walk is typical of the many picturesque corners of the "Queen of the Severn" - Bridgnorth. Known as Castle Walk, it is, as yet, unspoiled by the appendages of the modern age.'
January 1966. The caption was: 'Children from the 'slum' St Mary's Bluecoat School, Bridgnorth, today moved into one of the two shining new demountable classrooms installed by Salop County Council. The school was evacuated and closed last month after an architect had condemned it as dangerous.'
January 1966. The caption was: 'Children from the 'slum' St Mary's Bluecoat School, Bridgnorth, today moved into one of the two shining new demountable classrooms installed by Salop County Council. The school was evacuated and closed last month after an architect had condemned it as dangerous.'
April 4, 1966: 'Bridgnorth's Tony Bowen and Brian Griffiths, of Wednesfield, both connect with lefts during their lightweight bout which the Shropshire man won at Bridgnorth on Saturday.'
April 4, 1966: 'Bridgnorth's Tony Bowen and Brian Griffiths, of Wednesfield, both connect with lefts during their lightweight bout which the Shropshire man won at Bridgnorth on Saturday.'
'Bridgnorth is a very popular riverside town and can be reached easily by car, bus or train' - read the a caption in May 1964.
'Bridgnorth is a very popular riverside town and can be reached easily by car, bus or train' - read the a caption in May 1964.
Walkers on the first Bridgnorth Walk, held in 1967.
Walkers on the first Bridgnorth Walk, held in 1967.
April 7, 1967. The caption reads: 'Soon Bridgnorth's half-mile long railway tunnel will be finally closed up, and the ghost trains will be left to rattle through the darkness alone, save for the occasional British Rail inspector. Builders were busy this week putting the final touches to the walls at both ends of the tunnel which runs from Bridgnorth railway station to reappear on the north side of the town above the carpet works. Perhaps one day a new use will be found for the tunnel, for it seems a shame that such a large, dry area should go unused.'
April 7, 1967. The caption reads: 'Soon Bridgnorth's half-mile long railway tunnel will be finally closed up, and the ghost trains will be left to rattle through the darkness alone, save for the occasional British Rail inspector. Builders were busy this week putting the final touches to the walls at both ends of the tunnel which runs from Bridgnorth railway station to reappear on the north side of the town above the carpet works. Perhaps one day a new use will be found for the tunnel, for it seems a shame that such a large, dry area should go unused.'