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 simple yet powerful moment captured in April 1955. Inside St Mary and St John Church on Snow Hill, Wolverhampton, a young boy kneels in quiet prayer before the figures of Christ and the Virgin Mary. It's a scene that speaks of faith, reflection and the role churches once played at the heart of their communities. Can you remember attending services here, or recognise the church as it was?

33. St Mary and St John, Church, Snow Hill, Wolverhampton, 1955

A simple yet powerful moment captured in April 1955. Inside St Mary and St John Church on Snow Hill, Wolverhampton, a young boy kneels in quiet prayer before the figures of Christ and the Virgin Mary. It's a scene that speaks of faith, reflection and the role churches once played at the heart of their communities. Can you remember attending services here, or recognise the church as it was? | Express & Star archive

Photo Sales
Long before online tutorials and instant answers, learning a new skill often meant spending time with someone who knew the craft. This 1976 photograph shows Charles Clowes teaching three youngsters - David Vaughan, Tony Wells and Anthony Cooper — how to restore old motorcycles at Wordsley Community Centre, Stourbridge. The exhibition celebrated two decades of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. What skills or hobbies did you learn when you were young?

34. Wordsley Community Centre, Stourbridge, 1976

Long before online tutorials and instant answers, learning a new skill often meant spending time with someone who knew the craft. This 1976 photograph shows Charles Clowes teaching three youngsters - David Vaughan, Tony Wells and Anthony Cooper — how to restore old motorcycles at Wordsley Community Centre, Stourbridge. The exhibition celebrated two decades of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. What skills or hobbies did you learn when you were young? | Express & Star archive

Photo Sales
A powerful machine, a changing landscape and a young woman behind the controls. This April 1968 photograph shows Jill operating a bulldozer at the former RAF station at Brindley Heath, Cannock Chase, where her father's business was clearing away the remains of buildings and underground installations. Can you remember the old RAF station, or watching places change as the years passed?

35. Brindley Heath, Cannock Chase, 1968

A powerful machine, a changing landscape and a young woman behind the controls. This April 1968 photograph shows Jill operating a bulldozer at the former RAF station at Brindley Heath, Cannock Chase, where her father's business was clearing away the remains of buildings and underground installations. Can you remember the old RAF station, or watching places change as the years passed? | Express & Star archive

Photo Sales
A little Christmas kindness in the heart of Dudley. In December 1976, nurses from Burton Road Hospital swapped their wards for the Trident Centre as they sang carols for shoppers to raise money for a special bed for the geriatric unit. With Reverend Eddie Smith leading and John Grainger on the organ, the performance brought together music, community spirit and fundraising. Do you remember joining in with carols or supporting local causes like this?

36. Trident Centre, Dudley, 1976

A little Christmas kindness in the heart of Dudley. In December 1976, nurses from Burton Road Hospital swapped their wards for the Trident Centre as they sang carols for shoppers to raise money for a special bed for the geriatric unit. With Reverend Eddie Smith leading and John Grainger on the organ, the performance brought together music, community spirit and fundraising. Do you remember joining in with carols or supporting local causes like this? | Express & Star archive

Photo Sales
Previous
9 / 10
Next Page
Related topics:ArchivesPhoto memories
Local news you can trust
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice