Black Swan Yard in Leeds city centre pictured in October 1898. Part of North Street Improvement Area, was number 2 North Street, now part of Vicar Lane. On the left houses, some with basements, access down steps from pavement. Railings act as barriers to open area. There are two wall signs for T. Butter, Coach builder. At the end of the yard are outside toilets and a cart. To the right, premises with wooden steps to upper doors. Yard has some cobbles, other parts unsurfaced.Black Swan Yard in Leeds city centre pictured in October 1898. Part of North Street Improvement Area, was number 2 North Street, now part of Vicar Lane. On the left houses, some with basements, access down steps from pavement. Railings act as barriers to open area. There are two wall signs for T. Butter, Coach builder. At the end of the yard are outside toilets and a cart. To the right, premises with wooden steps to upper doors. Yard has some cobbles, other parts unsurfaced.
Black Swan Yard in Leeds city centre pictured in October 1898. Part of North Street Improvement Area, was number 2 North Street, now part of Vicar Lane. On the left houses, some with basements, access down steps from pavement. Railings act as barriers to open area. There are two wall signs for T. Butter, Coach builder. At the end of the yard are outside toilets and a cart. To the right, premises with wooden steps to upper doors. Yard has some cobbles, other parts unsurfaced.

10 historic photos take you back to Leeds in 1898

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson
Published 6th Dec 2023, 04:45 BST

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These historic photos turn back the clock 125 years to celebrate a year in the life of Leeds.

1898 is the focus for this gallery of evocative photos charting a year in the life of your city and its residents. The memories start with the city centre before heading out into the suburbs with Roundhay Park and Holbeck both featured. The images are a mix from the YEP archive and others published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. They also run heritage blog The Secret Library Leeds, which provides a behind the scenes look at the Central Library and highlights from its special collections, including rare books hidden away in the stacks. READ MORE: 11 evocative photos showcase an impoverished corner of Leeds LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

Improvement work to Lands Lane in September 1898. On the right, work has commenced to build the Victoria Arcade, which went through onto the Headrow. Premises of Thomas Mallorie & Co, wine and spirit merchants can be seen. This view is from The Headrow. Boys in period dress are in the centre.

7. Leeds in 1898

Improvement work to Lands Lane in September 1898. On the right, work has commenced to build the Victoria Arcade, which went through onto the Headrow. Premises of Thomas Mallorie & Co, wine and spirit merchants can be seen. This view is from The Headrow. Boys in period dress are in the centre. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Looking north towards The Headrow in September 1898. Building on left with railings is the Church Institute on the junction with Albion Place. This was opened in 1868. It is now Albion Court and La Senza. Advertising posters on wall include The Santa Cruz Lime Juice Company, Army and Navy Metal polish, Theatre poster for New Empire Palace Theatre has Cissie Loftus, Harry Ford and a dog orchestra all appearing.

8. Leeds in 1898

Looking north towards The Headrow in September 1898. Building on left with railings is the Church Institute on the junction with Albion Place. This was opened in 1868. It is now Albion Court and La Senza. Advertising posters on wall include The Santa Cruz Lime Juice Company, Army and Navy Metal polish, Theatre poster for New Empire Palace Theatre has Cissie Loftus, Harry Ford and a dog orchestra all appearing. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Lands Lane improvements in September 1898. To left, wheelbarrow and ladder, children in period dress looking at camera. Lands Lane took its name from fields or lands belonging to the Lord of the Manor of Leeds.

9. Leeds in 1898

Lands Lane improvements in September 1898. To left, wheelbarrow and ladder, children in period dress looking at camera. Lands Lane took its name from fields or lands belonging to the Lord of the Manor of Leeds. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Roundhay estate had been purchased from the Nicholson family as a public park in 1871. In 1826 two lakes had been created from old quarry works, one of them Waterloo Lake being named after the famous battle in which the Duke of Wellington had beaten Napoleon in 1815. The council added amenities for the public including many boats. The new building in this photograph, situated opposite the main entrance to the park on Princes Avenue, was to be used as a ticket office for park amusements and also as a tram shelter for the tram stop nearby. Workmen can be seen with new park benches. Pictured in August 1898.

10. Leeds in 1898

Roundhay estate had been purchased from the Nicholson family as a public park in 1871. In 1826 two lakes had been created from old quarry works, one of them Waterloo Lake being named after the famous battle in which the Duke of Wellington had beaten Napoleon in 1815. The council added amenities for the public including many boats. The new building in this photograph, situated opposite the main entrance to the park on Princes Avenue, was to be used as a ticket office for park amusements and also as a tram shelter for the tram stop nearby. Workmen can be seen with new park benches. Pictured in August 1898. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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