Known as the historic capital of the Black Country region, Dudley has punched well above its weight in contributions to Black Country history.
These 17 historic photos showcase Dudley’s evolution and offer a glimpse into Dudley‘s past through the decades.
Famous faces associated with Dudley include, Sam Allardyce, Sue Lawley and Norman Pace.
Though, the most famous face is undoubtedly Sir Lenny Henry.
As the town gears up to herald in trams for the first time in 96 years.
We thought we’d walk down memory lane and appreciate the town’s storied history.
Here are 17 old photographs that capture the Dudley’s spirit:
9. Champion Bakers, Hall Street, Dudley: 1975
Office staff from Champion Bakers, pictured in June 1975, look back on their final days together as they planned a farewell meal at a Droitwich hotel and a goodbye dance at the Wulfrun Hall in Wolverhampton, marking the closure of the bakery and the end of an era. | Express & Star
10. Hanson's brewery tap: 1980
Sampling the wares at Hanson's brewery tap in Dudley High Street in 1980. | Local Library
11. Woolworths staff donate giant chocolate egg: 1985
Staff from the Dudley branch of Woolworths donated a giant chocolate easter egg to the children's ward at Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, in 1985. The photograph shows Luke Denley of Grant Close, Kingswinford, with Deborah Shemmans. | Express & Star
12. Margaret Thatcher visits West Midlands Ambulance Headquarters in Dudley: November 1989
November 1989: '"Margaret Thatcher" greets the ambulance crews at the West Midlands Ambulance headquarters in Dudley.... "Maggie", an ambulance controller, pictured dressed in a joke shop Spitting Image-style mask, arrived by Mercedes at the headquarters to stand in for the Duke of Kent, who was due to open the showpiece control but called off his visit because of the 11-week old dispute.' | Express & Star