Woodhouse in the 1910s: An age of innocence against a backdrop of war

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 26th Jul 2023, 04:45 BST

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These wonderful photos capture an age of innocence against a backdrop of the horrors of war.

They turn back the clock to Woodhouse in the 1910s, a decade when the First World War kept parents away from their children, some of which would never return. The images featured in this mini-gallery are 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: Leeds in 1911 – Memories of trackless cars, tramways and a king's coronation LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

Children stand outside property adjoining no.14 Woodhouse Cliff in June 1913.

1. Woodhouse in the 1910s

Children stand outside property adjoining no.14 Woodhouse Cliff in June 1913. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

The junction of Fenton Street and Carnaby Street looking east, showing headquarters of Territorial Force, 1st West Riding Brigade Royal Field Artillery at 27, Fenton Street. Paving Stones and stone sets in foreground. Pictured in August 1913.

2. Woodhouse in the 1910s

The junction of Fenton Street and Carnaby Street looking east, showing headquarters of Territorial Force, 1st West Riding Brigade Royal Field Artillery at 27, Fenton Street. Paving Stones and stone sets in foreground. Pictured in August 1913. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Children stand against low stone wall on corner of properties adjoining the Tower buildings on Woodhouse Cliff in June 1913.

3. Woodhouse in the 1910s

Children stand against low stone wall on corner of properties adjoining the Tower buildings on Woodhouse Cliff in June 1913. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Delph Street on Woodhouse Cliff in June 1913. This is a view of an early Victorian street built in both brick and stone. Most of the ground floor windows have wooden shutters. The street is paved with rough stone blocks and there are two stone bollards visible. The opening in the lean-to type extension is to a midden for rubbish.

4. Woodhouse in the 1910s

Delph Street on Woodhouse Cliff in June 1913. This is a view of an early Victorian street built in both brick and stone. Most of the ground floor windows have wooden shutters. The street is paved with rough stone blocks and there are two stone bollards visible. The opening in the lean-to type extension is to a midden for rubbish. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Children stand in front of property adjoining the tower on Woodhouse Cliff in 1913.

5. Woodhouse in the 1910s

Children stand in front of property adjoining the tower on Woodhouse Cliff in 1913. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

View of cottages and property which comprised Woodhouse Cliff. They faced onto an area of open land which was off Woodhouse Street, adjacent to Hyde Park Corner. Pictured in June 1913.

6. Woodhouse in the 1910s

View of cottages and property which comprised Woodhouse Cliff. They faced onto an area of open land which was off Woodhouse Street, adjacent to Hyde Park Corner. Pictured in June 1913. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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