Dudley, Castle Ruins c.1955
Photo ref: D103011
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More about this scene

A close up view of John Dudley's handiwork, showing the hall, centre left, and great chamber, centre right. The castle's downfall was in two stages. After the end of the Civil War, it was slighted (or de-fortified). This destroyed the castle walls, turrets and gatehouse, but left the residential side unharmed. The second stage was a major fire on 24 July 1750, which blazed for two days and finished the castle as a residence. Here visitors to the zoo loll about, largely unaware of the history that surrounds them.

A Selection of Memories from Dudley

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. Here are some from Dudley

Sparked a Memory for you?

If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?

There was a fruit wholesaler in Tower Street. Think it may have been Southalls. I remember being taken as a child to see the huge cart horses dressed up for May Day. They looked spectacular with their gleaming coats, plaited manes, decorated harnesses and shiny hooves. This was the beginning of my lifelong love for horses.
My father worked for the Midland Bank in the market place. He, my mother and I lived in a flat above the bank. The only entrance to the flat was a metal fire escape behind the bank. Must have been a nightmare for mum and Dad when I started toddling!!
I remember when Birdcage Walk was first opened. My husband John and his father William cleaned the Windows of most of the shops there. It was like a little community, it had everything. Paper shop, wet fish shop, butchers, clothes shops and even the Dudley Herald newspaper office was there. Happy days.
Hi, I too attended The Park School and remember Miss Napier. I also remember Miss Wright ~ P.E.."Gabby Haynes" ~Music.I left in 1958. I was then Carol Roden. Any one else remember ?