Bridgnorth's history likes Facebook spotlight

Images depicting historic pubs, beat bobbies, local characters and buildings damaged in the Second World War have all been posted on a Facebook site celebrating Bridgnorth's past.

Some pictures date back to the 19th century, while others are more modern pictures of old buildings which have been part of the town's fabric for centuries.

The Facebook page set up for residents has gained more than a thousand followers in a little more than two months. And people from across the world with links to Bridgnorth have been getting in touch via Facebook to share their memories.

The site features images from across of the district, as well as pictures of former clubs and organisations.

Bridgnorth Past was the brainchild of Ian Wilkins who wanted to set up a webpage where residents, old and new, could share images of the historic town.

And many of the images have been provided by local historian Clive Gwilt, who is posting new pictures on an almost daily basis.

Mr Wilkins said: "The Bridgnorth past group was an idea I had after sharing a photo of a view from Castle Walk, minus the Grove Estate, when it was just a grove with plenty of trees. One of the pictures has received more than 70 'likes'.

"It has just got bigger and bigger with photos and comments, followed by more photos and comments.

"People are sharing their memories of Bridgnorth. These include family and school photos, photos of shops and streets, and my personal favourites which show how the High Street shops have changed over the years, apart from the ever present Beaman's Butchers."

Townsfolk celebrating the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria in Bridgnorth High Street, in 1887, are featured on the website, along with the Ash Inn, which was built in 1462 as a farmhouse and converted to an inn many years later, before being pulled down in June 1645 to improve the defence of the town.

It was rebuilt and first licensed in 1821 before being demolished again overnight during the 1960s.

Bomb damage to St Mary's Street and Listley Street in August 1940 is revealed along with pictures of Bridgnorth railway station in 1962.

Photos of organisations including Bridgnorth fire brigade in 1888, when firefighters used a horse drawn steam engine. Bridgnorth fire station was opened in 1879.

There are also pictures of former Bridgnorth bobby, the late Nigel Evans, from 1952, and Hubert Smith, Bridgnorth's town clerk from 1873 to 1887. Mr Smith caused a stir in the community by marrying gipsy woman, Esmeralda Locke, who was 30 years his junior.

The page even includes references to Adolf Hitler's plans to use Apley Hall as his base if German had won the Second World War.

Mr Wilkins said the site was flourishing thanks to community input.

He said: "Clive Gwilt is a top man with an abundance of photos being posted daily. I hope he keeps enough back for the new year.

"I had heard of Clive and his historical knowledge of Bridgnorth so having him post has opened up the group to a lot of questions on his photos, which he has been able to answer for all to see.

"The group is also reuniting young and old people through pictures and shared memories.It's great to see families that have moved away from the town to the United States and Australia getting back in touch.