This photo shows Sneinton Market in the 1980s This photo shows Sneinton Market in the 1980s
This photo shows Sneinton Market in the 1980s | Nigel Thompson

Old photos of Nottingham: 15 of our favourite retro photos showing life in Nottingham in the 1980s

Some parts of Nottingham haven’t changed a bit while others are totally unrecognisable

The fact that the 1980s ended 35 years ago is quite frightening, particularly because the decade is so well-remembered by those of a certain age. 

Britain in the ‘80s was a funny old time. 

For many, the ‘80s will be remembered as a time of social unrest as Margaret Thatcher’s government proved hugely unpopular with the working class. 

With miners’ strikes, soaring unemployment, and, of course, the Falklands War, the ‘80s was a difficult time for many families.

But it would be wrong to suggest that the decade was all doom and gloom. 

As iconic bands such as Wham!, Depeche Mode, and The Smiths rose to prominence, a whole generation of young people fell in love with music and pop culture. 

Given that the start of the ‘80s was 44 years ago, it’s fair to say that towns and cities across the country look pretty different from how they did back then, and Nottingham is no different. 

We’re rolling back the years and taking a look at what different parts of the city looked like in the ‘80s.

Some areas look unrecognisable, while others haven’t really changed. 

So, sit back, relax, and think back to a time of yuppies, Walkmans, and warm Vimto!

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