Glimpse history through old images of Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England.
The Warwickshire market town of Nuneaton is home to more than 90,000 people, making it the largest town in Warwickshire.
Known as ‘Etone’ in the Domesday Book, the settlement has a rich recorded history. One of the country’s finest authors, George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans) was born here.
Unfortunately archive film and old photos don’t go back that far. But if you want to see what the town looked like through the twentieth century, there are lost of great nostalgic resources to enjoy.
Slideshow of Old Photos
A brilliant collection of photos from many decades. Some show everyday life, while others record key events in the town’s twentieth century history.
Nuneaton Memories Photo Slideshow: Nuneaton Memories (YouTube)
Market Day in the 1950s
Packed with good shots of local traders and their customers. Then we see the decorations for the Charter Celebrations.
1950s Nuneaton Market Shopping, Summer: thekinolibrary (YouTube)
Busy Streets in the 1950s
In the 1950s footage we see the streets bustling with people, and families enjoying sunshine in the park.
1950s Nuneaton, Buses, Park, Midlands, Summer: thekinolibrary (YouTube)
A quiet day in the 1950s
Lovely archive film in colour showing both the streets and passing cars. Only a few pedestrians and the shops look closed, so it was probably filmed on a Sunday.
1950s Nuneaton, Shops, Streets, UK Midlands Town: thekinolibrary (YouTube)
Nuneaton Rail Crash 1975
On 6 June 1975, the 23:30 Inter-city Sleeper from London Euston to Glasgow entered a temporary speed restriction area just south of Nuneaton Railway Station. A track remodelling scheme meant trains should slow to 20 mph (32 km/h). Unfortunately the warning sign was not illuminated, so the driver thought it was no longer an active alert. So the train, which was running an hour late, continued without slowing. By the time the driver saw the second sign, this time correctly illuminated, it was too late to adequately slow the train.
The train derailed just south of the railway station, killing four passengers and two staff. 38 people were also injured.
NUNEATON RAIL CRASH – NO SOUND – COLOUR: British Movietone (YouTube)
Nuneaton in 1979
In 1979, Ian & Alan Kendall made this home cine film. It records a car journey round town.
Nuneaton Town Tour 1979: Dudes N drones (YouTube)
Nuneaton Carnival in the 1980s
Lots of adults and children appear in this carnival. Nuneaton Memories believe it was filmed in the mid to late 80s.
NUNEATON CARNIVAL UNKNOWN YEAR: Nuneaton Memories (YouTube)
Nuneaton Buses in 1993
Not only do you see local buses in action, but lots of different views, passing cars, and pedestrians.
NUNEATON BUSES 1993: DaveSpencer32 (YouTube)
Discover more history about Nuneaton
The website Nuneaton Memories is gathering an archive of old photos, postcards, videos and memories. You’ll also find them on social media.
If you’re on Facebook, join the Nuneaton & Bedworth Local & Family History – Notes & Queries group.
You’ll also find a Facebook group for the Nuneaton Local History Group.
