Aerial views of Pinfold Street and Moxley

In 1965 the old shops in Pinfold Street were thriving. A wide range of items were on sale, and people greatly enjoyed the personal service that was on offer. It is very different to the busy road junction and the run-down shops that are there today.

Looking down onto Great Croft Street and the yard at the back of the Old Castle Hotel.		 The well known and popular shops in Pinfold Street included H. W. Mason's newsagents, better known as Masons. It can be seen on the far side on the pedestrian crossing.

A few doors to the right, with the arched window is Boynton's butchers, a well known source of quality meat and poultry.

To the right are two of Len Mitchell's shops. He sold a wide range of products including radios, televisions, hi-fi, cycles, floor coverings, fitted carpets, travel goods, handbags, fashion jewellery, furniture, electrical goods, toys, nursery furniture and prams. He was also a booking agent for Butlins holiday camps.
A similar view showing the long queue at the Wolverhampton bus stop, awaiting the approaching trolley bus.
The bus queue begins to board the bus to start their journey to Bilston or Wolverhampton.
This view also shows a trolley bus about to leave for Wolverhampton. In those days it was a frequent service with a bus arriving every ten minutes or so.

In the left-hand corner are the offices of Belchers, an estate agent and valuer. The building was demolished in readiness for St. Lawrence Way.
A popular venue in Pinfold Street was the Regal cinema, the last cinema built in the town centre.

It opened on 19th of September, 1938. The first film was "Make a Wish" starring Bobby Breen, and a Mickey Mouse cartoon called "The Boat Builders".

The entertainment also included a singer on the stage, and Leslie Taff played the organ.
The Regal was built by J & F Wootton Limited, and designed by Ernest Roberts. It seated 1,043 people downstairs and 372 on the balcony. It was run by Colmore Entertainments.

The large stage was used for Sunday evening concerts during World War 2 featuring famous midland entertainers of the day. Leslie Taff became a household name, playing the organ on the BBC Home and Overseas Services.


A close-up view of the Regal.
A final view of the Regal looking across Moxley towards Dudley.
When the photograph above was taken, the Regal was a bingo and social club. The last film "Duel of the Titans" starring Steve Reeves had been shown on 1st February, 1964. The building was demolished in 1995 after being severely damaged in an arson attack.
Looking towards Catherine's Cross and Moxley. In the distance is William Wesson's factory, and All Saints' Church. Until the early 19th century Catherine's Cross was called Catton's Cross. The earliest reference I have found to Catherine's Cross is in Pigot & Company's 1828 trade directory.

In the centre is St. John's Mission Chapel, and to the lower right is Alfred Street.
A close-up view of All Saints' Church Moxley, and Moxley Road.

To the right of the church is the roof of Frost & Sons galvanisers.
In the foreground is Dangerfield Lane, and behind it is Broadwaters Road. In the distance is Moxley Isolation Hospital.
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