Step back in time and discover some wonderful memories from Wolverhampton and the Black Country.
From local pubs and workplaces to schools, celebrations and everyday life, this gallery brings together snapshots from the 1940s through to the turn of the millennium. The pictures are in no particular order, so settle in and enjoy the journey through the decades.
There are plenty of faces, memorable moments and fascinating glimpses of how the region looked and lived over the years - from school days and busy factories to jubilee parades and much-loved local pubs.
Do you recognise anyone or remember any of these places? Take a look through the pictures and share your memories with us.
- Remember these? 47 brilliant pictures of school days across Staffordshire and the Black Country in the 1980s.
- 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.
1. Musical landlord strikes a chord behind the bar while thirsty regular waits
With sheet music resting against the beer pumps, Victor Cook, landlord of the Park-Lane Tavern in Cradley, sneaks in some practice on his double bass in 1947. Patiently leaning on the counter with an empty tankard, a local regular looks on as the musical publican serenades the bar before pulling the next pint. The charming post-war photograph captures the unique characters and laid-back warmth that made traditional Black Country pubs the vibrant soul of their local communities. Did your family ever drink at the Park-Lane Tavern or know any local pub landlords with eccentric talents? | ©PA
2. Reaching new heights as rooftop sweep proves the sky's the limit
Talk about taking your job to high-flying new levels! Pictured perched on the rooftops of Wolverhampton in 1969, 25-year-old Black Country sweep Ray Allen shows off some serious chimney-sweeping dedication. Following the traditional old rule of thumb, Ray makes sure his brush pokes well and truly out of the top of the flue to prove the job's proper and done. Perched high above the town with a breathtaking view, this fantastic action shot captures the adventurous spirit and hardworking trades that kept local hearths clean and fires burning bright. Did you ever spot the local sweep popping his brush out the top of your chimney when you were growing up? | ©PA
3. Rolling out the big barrels to save the day as factory blaze sparks dramatic dash
With heavy black smoke billowing into the sky on April 12, 1957, quick-thinking workers spring into action at the Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Company factory. Braving the chaos, the crew can be seen frantically rolling barrels of highly flammable solvent away from the encroaching flames. Although the dramatic blaze damaged hundreds of motor tyres and rubber tubing, the bravery and sharp teamwork of the local workforce prevented a much bigger disaster. It's a striking look back at the gritty grit, courage, and true Black Country spirit on the factory floor! Did anyone in your family ever work at the famous Goodyear factory, or do you remember stories from that dramatic day in 1957? | ©PA
4. Raising a glass to generous pub regulars and heartfelt charity efforts
Glasses clink over a table laden with silverware as licensees and charity representatives toast a remarkable fundraising effort on September 24, 1983. Licensees Richard Moore and his wife Maureen were presented with a special trophy at the Hop Pole on Oxley Moor Road in Oxley after generous regulars raised £2,000 for the RNLI following the Penlee lifeboat disaster. Pictured celebrating the achievement alongside RNLI Wolverhampton branch secretary Bob Proudlock and chairman Bob Newell, the moment captured the incredible heart, generosity, and community spirit found inside local Black Country pubs. Do you remember drinking at the Hop Pole or taking part in pub charity drives during the '80s? | Express & Star archive