Nostalgia: 18 photos that show how Shropshire's high streets have changed over the years

The Shropshire Star has been delving into its archives to see how the high streets of our market towns have changed over the years.

By Richard Williams

Published Oct 28, 2023

Last updated Oct 28, 2023

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Bridgnorth High Street in the 1940s looks just as busy as the modern town

These historic images show that while the traffic has increased, the look and shape of many of Shropshire's high streets have changed very little.

From the turn of the twentieth century, the population of Shropshire has increased from around 246,000 to 319,000.

And there have been other changes too, such as the creation of the new town of Telford in 1963.

While these images show some of the shops and pubs have been and gone from our market towns, many of the buildings are as recognisable today as they were up to 100 years ago, and the county's high streets remain just as an integral part of life in Shropshire in 2023 as they did in days gone by.

Bridgnorth High Street has hardly changed over the years

Church Stretton High Street in the 1930s. The historic Plough Inn on the left foreground closed in the late 1940s

Church Stretton High Street as it looks now

Dawley High Street as it was before the creation of Telford in 1963

Dawley High Street in Telford as it is today

Ironbridge High Street as it looks in modern times

Market Drayton High Street in around 1920

Market Drayton High street.is bustling today

Newport High Street just after World War I (picture courtesy of the late Malcolm Miles estate)

Shrewsbury High Street taken soon after World War Two

The county town's High Street as it looks now

General view of Wem High Street as it is today

Whitchurch HIgh Street at the turn of the twentieth century

Do you have any old images of Shropshire in times gone by? Are there any buildings you really miss and remember? Why not send us your pictures to richard.williams@mnamedia.co.uk