21 of the best photos take you back to Leeds in 1971

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 13th Nov 2023, 04:45 BST

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Leeds was on a city on the move in the early 1970s.

From removal vans to tea time congestion this photo gallery transports you back to 1971. It was also a year of celebrity visits, fundraising and fun. These images, a mix from the YEP archive and others published courtesy of Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service, chart a year in the life of your city and its residents. READ MORE: 22 photos to take you back to Leeds in 1972 LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

Leeds Town Hall from The Headrow in August `1971. Oxford Place Chapel is on the left and part of the Municipal Buildings housing the Central Library are visible to the right.

1. Leeds in 1971

Leeds Town Hall from The Headrow in August `1971. Oxford Place Chapel is on the left and part of the Municipal Buildings housing the Central Library are visible to the right. Photo: David Atkinson Archive

Congestion on Otley Road in Headingley in September 1971.

2. Leeds in 1971

Congestion on Otley Road in Headingley in September 1971. Photo: YPN

A view of Quarry Hill Flats in 1971

3. Leeds in 1971

A view of Quarry Hill Flats in 1971 Photo: YPN

June 1971 and an orange Bedford HGV which belongs to a company called Peter Robinson Transport makes its way through Leeds There are three tower blocks on the left side of this image behind the van. The city skyline is visible to the right.

4. Leeds in 1971

June 1971 and an orange Bedford HGV which belongs to a company called Peter Robinson Transport makes its way through Leeds There are three tower blocks on the left side of this image behind the van. The city skyline is visible to the right. Photo: Leeds Museums Service

Wellington Bridge was being widened for a second time in November 1971. The photo was taken from the Yorkshire Evening Post building. It opened in 1818.

5. Leeds in 1971

Wellington Bridge was being widened for a second time in November 1971. The photo was taken from the Yorkshire Evening Post building. It opened in 1818. Photo: YPN

Ukrainian dancers on the steps of the Town Hall in April 1971. The Red Army ensemble were performing at the Grand Theatre but had just been charged on this day, with disorderly conduct.

6. Leeds in 1971

Ukrainian dancers on the steps of the Town Hall in April 1971. The Red Army ensemble were performing at the Grand Theatre but had just been charged on this day, with disorderly conduct. Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service