19 photo gems take you down York Road in the 1930s

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson
Published 16th Mar 2024, 04:45 BST

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These photos provide a fascinating insight into life along one of the busiest and most vibrant roads in Leeds.

The gallery rewinds to the 1930s and showcases a decade of memories from York Road, a route which takes you out to the east of the city covering a number of postcodes as well as communities. The main image of the Pit Hills highlights the road's links with coal mining while a number of factories lining the route - producing everything from biscuits and mineral water to uniforms and stuffing mix - also fall under the spotlight. The images 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: 43 closed Leeds pubs which will stir fond memories for drinkers LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP NEWSLETTERS: Sign up for free news and sport emails

The Pit Hills on York Road pictured in September 1938. Buildings to left, pit hills in the foreground. At the foot of the picture is 'John William Heaps' - a two storey building with the sign on the front saying 'Heaps Motor Booking Office'

1. York Road in the 1930s

The Pit Hills on York Road pictured in September 1938. Buildings to left, pit hills in the foreground. At the foot of the picture is 'John William Heaps' - a two storey building with the sign on the front saying 'Heaps Motor Booking Office' Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
On the left is Vetch Street, branch of Gallons Ltd grocers at no.11, to the right at no.13 sweet shop run by Jabez Barrand. Next is Bean Street. No.15 premises of W.Moore and Son, hay and straw merchants. Pictured in September 1935.

2. York Road in the 1930s

On the left is Vetch Street, branch of Gallons Ltd grocers at no.11, to the right at no.13 sweet shop run by Jabez Barrand. Next is Bean Street. No.15 premises of W.Moore and Son, hay and straw merchants. Pictured in September 1935. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
From the left, junction with Greyhound Place, Owen and Robinson, pawnbroker and supplier of household goods is at no.113 York Road. Next right, no.115 Fred Walker, grocer. Harry Jordan has window of fruit and vegetables at no.117 with slogan across window 'Always the best, at market prices'. No.119 is H.Burgon and son, butcher. The entrance to Greyhound Street with Thomas Carkers shop at 121 on the right. Poster for 'OXO' on the wall. Pictured in September 1935

3. York Road in the 1930s

From the left, junction with Greyhound Place, Owen and Robinson, pawnbroker and supplier of household goods is at no.113 York Road. Next right, no.115 Fred Walker, grocer. Harry Jordan has window of fruit and vegetables at no.117 with slogan across window 'Always the best, at market prices'. No.119 is H.Burgon and son, butcher. The entrance to Greyhound Street with Thomas Carkers shop at 121 on the right. Poster for 'OXO' on the wall. Pictured in September 1935 Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net