Wolverhampton street scene changed by the Blitz
Two views of Cleveland Road of yesteryear which capture one of the most dramatic nights in Wolverhampton's history... and also a parked tip-up lorry.
That photo of the lorry in our archives had no information with it, but from the vintage of the vehicle it looks likely that it was in the 1920s and the embossed copyright stamp of The Arcade Studios at Central Arcade in Wolverhampton – it's at the bottom left of the print – pointed to it being local.
The sign on the building in the background was key in helping to identify the location, as there was a firm in Cleveland Road called Fleming & Son.
Fast forward 20 years or so and the same building was engulfed in flames. By then it was home to Sievwright & Co Coachbuilders, according to the sign above the entrance, although 'Triplex Glass Depot" and "Shadow Caravans" are also emblazoned on the blackened facade.
