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.
There was no rush in this summer scene from August 1955, as people enjoyed food, conversation and the sunshine outside Wolverhampton's Civic Restaurant. With umbrellas providing welcome shade, it was the perfect spot to pause while shopping or meeting friends in the city. Do you remember the Civic Restaurant, and who would you have shared a table with?

21. Civic Restaurant, Wolverhampton, 1955

There was no rush in this summer scene from August 1955, as people enjoyed food, conversation and the sunshine outside Wolverhampton's Civic Restaurant. With umbrellas providing welcome shade, it was the perfect spot to pause while shopping or meeting friends in the city. Do you remember the Civic Restaurant, and who would you have shared a table with? | Express & Star archive

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A photograph capturing a divisive moment in Wolverhampton’s history. In April 1968, protesters walked down Dudley Road after gathering at St Peter’s Gardens for a march linked to Enoch Powell’s views on immigration and freedom of speech. More than 50 years later, the image remains a reminder of the debates and tensions of the time. Do you remember this day or the atmosphere in Wolverhampton during the 1960s?

22. Wolverhampton, 1968

A photograph capturing a divisive moment in Wolverhampton’s history. In April 1968, protesters walked down Dudley Road after gathering at St Peter’s Gardens for a march linked to Enoch Powell’s views on immigration and freedom of speech. More than 50 years later, the image remains a reminder of the debates and tensions of the time. Do you remember this day or the atmosphere in Wolverhampton during the 1960s? | Express & Star archive

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Five-year-old Marc Tomlinson steps onto the scales as Beatrice Green records his weight at Birch Street Health Centre, Tipton, in 1977. For many local families, visits like this were simply part of growing up, with school-age children returning for routine health checks. Did you visit Birch Street as a child, and what memories do you have of the health centre?

23. Birch Street Health Centre, Tipton, 1977

Five-year-old Marc Tomlinson steps onto the scales as Beatrice Green records his weight at Birch Street Health Centre, Tipton, in 1977. For many local families, visits like this were simply part of growing up, with school-age children returning for routine health checks. Did you visit Birch Street as a child, and what memories do you have of the health centre? | Express & Star archive

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A familiar scene, but under very different circumstances. On February 7, 1968, Wolverhampton cattle market reopened following months of foot and mouth restrictions, with measures in place to help prevent the spread of the disease. This photograph captures a moment when farming communities were beginning to return to normal. Can you remember the cattle market or the impact the outbreak had locally?

24. Wolverhampton cattle market, 1968

A familiar scene, but under very different circumstances. On February 7, 1968, Wolverhampton cattle market reopened following months of foot and mouth restrictions, with measures in place to help prevent the spread of the disease. This photograph captures a moment when farming communities were beginning to return to normal. Can you remember the cattle market or the impact the outbreak had locally? | Express & Star archive

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