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 market day didn't end when the last customer left. This scene from St Peter's Square in 1958 shows the Open Market after trading had finished, with empty produce crates, vegetable leaves and wrapping paper left behind following another busy day. Behind the clutter, traders are still tidying up and counting the day's earnings. Can you remember the sights, sounds and smells of Wolverhampton's open market?

29. Open Market, St Peter's Square, Wolverhampton, 1958

A market day didn't end when the last customer left. This scene from St Peter's Square in 1958 shows the Open Market after trading had finished, with empty produce crates, vegetable leaves and wrapping paper left behind following another busy day. Behind the clutter, traders are still tidying up and counting the day's earnings. Can you remember the sights, sounds and smells of Wolverhampton's open market? | Express & Star archive

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A coach full of smiles and the promise of a day by the sea. In July 1976, Heath Town Residents' Association organised a trip to Morecambe for around 300 members, bringing neighbours together for a memorable day out. This photograph shows some of the passengers ready for their adventure. Did you ever join a community outing like this, and where did you go?

30. Heath Town Residents' Association, 1976

A coach full of smiles and the promise of a day by the sea. In July 1976, Heath Town Residents' Association organised a trip to Morecambe for around 300 members, bringing neighbours together for a memorable day out. This photograph shows some of the passengers ready for their adventure. Did you ever join a community outing like this, and where did you go? | Express & Star archive

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For the children of Hollybush Walk Estate, having a safe place to play was worth digging into their own pockets. This 1979 photograph shows George Johnson on the proposed playground site in St Luke's Street, where local youngsters even offered their pocket money to help make the dream a reality. Did the playground eventually become part of your childhood memories?

31. Hollybush Walk Estate, Cradley Heath, 1979

For the children of Hollybush Walk Estate, having a safe place to play was worth digging into their own pockets. This 1979 photograph shows George Johnson on the proposed playground site in St Luke's Street, where local youngsters even offered their pocket money to help make the dream a reality. Did the playground eventually become part of your childhood memories? | Express & Star archive

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The music hadn't even started, but the queue was already forming. This 1950s photograph captures young people gathering outside the YMCA at Percy Thomas Hall on Stafford Street, Wolverhampton, thought to be waiting for one of the venue's much-loved dances. It was a time when an evening out meant dressing up, meeting friends and maybe even catching someone's eye across the dance floor. What are your memories of Wolverhampton's dance halls and youth clubs?

32. Young Men's Christian Association, The Percy Thomas Hall, Stafford Street, Wolverhampton, 1950s

The music hadn't even started, but the queue was already forming. This 1950s photograph captures young people gathering outside the YMCA at Percy Thomas Hall on Stafford Street, Wolverhampton, thought to be waiting for one of the venue's much-loved dances. It was a time when an evening out meant dressing up, meeting friends and maybe even catching someone's eye across the dance floor. What are your memories of Wolverhampton's dance halls and youth clubs? | Express & Star archive

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