Although war was now over, rationing continued until 1953 for sweets, chocolate and sugar, and 1954 for meat and all other food.
Life was getting a little easier in the home thanks to new gadgets including electric cookers, fridges and vacuum cleaners.
And holidays became more popular with seaside resorts like Morecambe being the destination for many living in industrial towns.
Those who could afford it bought a television to watch the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, a spectacle not to be repeated for another 70 years.
We are grateful to Andrew Reilly and Lancaster Past & Present for these photographs of Lancaster seven decades ago.
In case you missed them: Fascinating old pictures take you all the way back to Lancaster in the 1940s
1. Fifties nostalgia
Horseshoe Corner or Hepworth's Corner - take your pick in 1950s Lancaster! Photo: Photo courtesy of Andrew Reilly, Lancaster Past and Present
2. Fifties nostalgia
Market Street and Square, 20 years before pedestrianisation. Photo: Photo courtesy of Andrew Reilly, Lancaster Past and Present
3. Fifties nostalgia
Reddrops took pride of place on Cheapside in the 1950s. Photo: Photo courtesy of Andrew Reilly, Lancaster Past and Present
4. Fifties nostalgia
A view of Common Garden Street showing 1950s shops that are long gone. Photo: Photo courtesy of Andrew Reilly, Lancaster Past and Present