For these three youngsters, the race home from school was probably just as much fun as the school day itself. David and Robert Round and Trevor Nicholls are pictured tackling the steep climb up New Street, Brierley Hill, in 1956. It's a scene that reminds us of a time when childhood adventures began the moment the school bell rang. Did you make the same journey, or do you remember playing on these streets?placeholder image
For these three youngsters, the race home from school was probably just as much fun as the school day itself. David and Robert Round and Trevor Nicholls are pictured tackling the steep climb up New Street, Brierley Hill, in 1956. It's a scene that reminds us of a time when childhood adventures began the moment the school bell rang. Did you make the same journey, or do you remember playing on these streets? | Express & Star archive

39 fascinating pictures of life across the Black Country and Staffordshire from the 1950s to the 1970s

By Tania Taylor
Published 27th Jul 2026, 13:30 GMT
Updated 28th Jul 2026, 11:09 GMT

Snapshots from the ‘50s to the ‘70s

Step back through the decades and discover what life was like across the Black Country and Staffordshire from the 1950s to the 1970s.

These photographs, presented in no particular order, capture the everyday moments that tell the story of the region - from work and shopping to celebrations, hobbies, community life and the characters who helped shape its towns and villages.

Alongside familiar sights are some wonderfully unusual snapshots that show just how much has changed over the years. How many places, faces and memories can you spot? Tell us in the comments.

Take a nostalgic trip back to 1972 with these archive pictures.

  • You can enjoy this and more with our weekly FREE Nostalgia Newsletter - with scores of archive pictures and exclusive features on the history of Wolverhampton, Staffordshire and the Black Country - all sent to your inbox every week. Sign up here.
A warm oven, freshly baked loaves and a craft passed down through generations. This 1967 photograph shows Harry Spiers removing bread from the oven at B F Done & Son in Wednesfield, with Elva Done supervising. It captures a changing era for the high street, as traditional bakeries faced challenges from redevelopment and changing shopping habits. What memories do you have of the independent bakeries that once stood on your local streets?

5. B F Done & Son, Wednesfield, 1967

A warm oven, freshly baked loaves and a craft passed down through generations. This 1967 photograph shows Harry Spiers removing bread from the oven at B F Done & Son in Wednesfield, with Elva Done supervising. It captures a changing era for the high street, as traditional bakeries faced challenges from redevelopment and changing shopping habits. What memories do you have of the independent bakeries that once stood on your local streets? | Express & Star archive

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Mini skirts, bold colours and fashionable footwear were all part of the late 1960s. This July 1969 image captures Pat Mason at work moulding shoe-backs at Edges Shoe Factory in Bilston, where craftsmanship and precision helped create the styles of the day. Did you or someone in your family work in Bilston's factories, or remember the shoes of the 1960s?

6. Edges Shoe Factory, Bilston, 1969

Mini skirts, bold colours and fashionable footwear were all part of the late 1960s. This July 1969 image captures Pat Mason at work moulding shoe-backs at Edges Shoe Factory in Bilston, where craftsmanship and precision helped create the styles of the day. Did you or someone in your family work in Bilston's factories, or remember the shoes of the 1960s? | Express & Star archive

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Long before modern entertainment filled our screens, travelling performers brought their own magic to communities across Staffordshire. This August 1962 photograph shows Fred Abel, ringmaster and owner of “the smallest show on Earth”, preparing breakfast near Penkridge with his animal companions - including star performer Towser the wonder dog. What memories do you have of circuses, fairs or travelling shows coming to your area?

7. Fred Abel, 1962

Long before modern entertainment filled our screens, travelling performers brought their own magic to communities across Staffordshire. This August 1962 photograph shows Fred Abel, ringmaster and owner of “the smallest show on Earth”, preparing breakfast near Penkridge with his animal companions - including star performer Towser the wonder dog. What memories do you have of circuses, fairs or travelling shows coming to your area? | Express & Star archive

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A moment of calm in the heart of the Black Country - this August 1963 photograph looks out from Church Hill, Wednesbury, towards Ocker Hill. The headstones tell stories of past generations, while the view beyond captures a landscape that has continued to evolve over the decades. Do you remember this view or the places shown in the distance?

8. Church Hill, Wednesbury, 1963

A moment of calm in the heart of the Black Country - this August 1963 photograph looks out from Church Hill, Wednesbury, towards Ocker Hill. The headstones tell stories of past generations, while the view beyond captures a landscape that has continued to evolve over the decades. Do you remember this view or the places shown in the distance? | Express & Star archive

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