Bromsgrove High Street Past & Present 1943 & 2013

During the war, in 1943, an extraordinary photographic survey of Bromsgrove High Street was undertaken. These photos can be found on this page, in the archives at Bromsgrove Library and on The Bromsgrove Society website. It was the sight of these that prompted a new project 60 years later.
At the recent Bromsgrove Past & Present Facebook Page event, in collaboration with Bromsgrove Library and The Bromsgrove Society, entitled 'Bromsgrove High Street Past & Present,' in the library we announced that we would publish these photos as soon as we could.
On the 5th May 2013 Annie & John Deeley walked down one side of Bromsgrove High Street and up the other. They took photos from the same positions as the set of photos from 1943. Armed with the originals on an iphone, John tried to find the exact spot where the photographer must have stood, for each photo taken, on that day in August during the war. Then Annie stood in what we hoped would be the same spot and took a similar photo... 60 years later. Since then we've put together a video slideshow, fading from 1943 to 2013 for each shot. Some areas were quite difficult to pinpoint because of the number of old buildings that have been replaced. Where we could, we followed roof lines, brickwork, door frames and windows, but apologies for any inaccuracies in these areas. It does, however, give an idea of how things have changed. We hope you enjoy them. Annie & John Deeley, / bromsgrovepastpresent

[@grahamjeanes1478]

Well done on the presentation to all contributors 👏
Very tranquil and informing...👍
I am however left feeling sad having seen what's been lost to progress for such a one time booming township and surrounds.
'Stratford became famous for one bloke?😉...
History can't be repeated..

[@sisyphussapprentice8976]

Do you, or anyone reading this, have a still of DeGrey's Cafe, (circa 1930/40's)? Has sentimental value, but seem unable to source one. Thank you in advance.

[@Neil070]

So sad what the planners did to the town in the 60's.....I remember Sadie's. Don't know why, but it stuck in my infant brain

[@Mysticpuma]

Really good idea and nice archive of old images. May I ask where they were sourced from as they are very interesting? Cheers, MP