Wolverhampton retro: 16 pictures capturing city life in 1960

Step back into the 1960s with this collection of photographs capturing our streets as they once were.

From familiar buildings to everyday transport, these snapshots offer a journey back in time.

We hope these images from the Express & Star archives stir fond memories for those who remember those days — and spark curiosity for those who don’t.

Ronald Gough (right) and his cousin Jim standing at the front of their fruit stall at Old Retail Market Hall, North Street, May 1960. Ron is holding out a pineapple to Jim. There is a sign for "Sam Hicks" visible in the background.placeholder image
Ronald Gough (right) and his cousin Jim standing at the front of their fruit stall at Old Retail Market Hall, North Street, May 1960. Ron is holding out a pineapple to Jim. There is a sign for "Sam Hicks" visible in the background.
May 18, 1960: The Open Market at St Peter’s Square on its penultimate day, as traders prepare to move to new premises — with a sign highlighting Sidney Gatt’s stalls at the new market, numbers 41 to 82.placeholder image
May 18, 1960: The Open Market at St Peter’s Square on its penultimate day, as traders prepare to move to new premises — with a sign highlighting Sidney Gatt’s stalls at the new market, numbers 41 to 82.
August 26, 196, the caption reads: 'The worst road junction in Wolverhampton, the Bath-Road - Wadham's-hill crossing. Vehicles descend the hill at speed; ascending traffic stalls on the steep approach both lines of traffic cross each other. "A shocking junction," says Wolverhampton stipendiary magistrate.' placeholder image
August 26, 196, the caption reads: 'The worst road junction in Wolverhampton, the Bath-Road - Wadham's-hill crossing. Vehicles descend the hill at speed; ascending traffic stalls on the steep approach both lines of traffic cross each other. "A shocking junction," says Wolverhampton stipendiary magistrate.'
'April 1960: A 100-year-old reservoir at Tettenhall was suggested today as a suitable site for a water softening plant to serve the Wolverhampton area. The reservoir, one of two between Regis and Wrottesley-roads, is being replaced by new tanks at Goldthorn Hill and Bushbury.' placeholder image
'April 1960: A 100-year-old reservoir at Tettenhall was suggested today as a suitable site for a water softening plant to serve the Wolverhampton area. The reservoir, one of two between Regis and Wrottesley-roads, is being replaced by new tanks at Goldthorn Hill and Bushbury.'
'When building contractors K. E. Millard and Co., Ltd. took over Fordhouse, Stafford-road, last September, they hoped to use it as an office for the 20-acre housing site they are developing. But vandals have put paid to their plans. They've gone through the once graceful Georgian style building leaving smashed windows, gaping walls, ripped up floors and stairways, broken sinks.... The photograph shows Mr A. H. Colley as he surveys the exterior in May 1960.placeholder image
'When building contractors K. E. Millard and Co., Ltd. took over Fordhouse, Stafford-road, last September, they hoped to use it as an office for the 20-acre housing site they are developing. But vandals have put paid to their plans. They've gone through the once graceful Georgian style building leaving smashed windows, gaping walls, ripped up floors and stairways, broken sinks.... The photograph shows Mr A. H. Colley as he surveys the exterior in May 1960.
Wolverhampton and Staffordshire College of Technology, August 1960.placeholder image
Wolverhampton and Staffordshire College of Technology, August 1960.

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