14 magnificent photos take you back to Moortown in the 1950s

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 19th Dec 2023, 04:45 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

It was the decade when a Leeds suburb was building for the future.

Construction was well underway on new homes on new housing estates for a generation of the local population. This was Moortown in the 1950s, a decade which also featured a visit to the community from Her Majesty The Queen. These 14 photos turn back the clock to showcase life around LS17 during ten years of change. 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: 25 photo memories from Moortown in the 1990s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

Newly built houses on Allerton Grange Gardens in August 1954. To the right is a group of small children. One is riding a tricycle.

1. Moortown in the 1950s

Newly built houses on Allerton Grange Gardens in August 1954. To the right is a group of small children. One is riding a tricycle. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Moorland Drive at corner with Harrogate Road in June 1952. Two women stand in front of a house.

2. Moortown in the 1950s

Moorland Drive at corner with Harrogate Road in June 1952. Two women stand in front of a house. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

An unmade road on Carr Manor Avenue in October 1953. Semi-detached houses can be seen to the right of the picture. Newly built red brick walls have been built around the front of the gardens to the left and right.

3. Moortown in the 1950s

An unmade road on Carr Manor Avenue in October 1953. Semi-detached houses can be seen to the right of the picture. Newly built red brick walls have been built around the front of the gardens to the left and right. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

The side of number 407 Harrogate Road with a poster for Kellogg's cornflakes. To the left is an advertisement for Players Navy Cut tobacco and cigarettes. Pictured in February 1952.

4. Moortown in the 1950s

The side of number 407 Harrogate Road with a poster for Kellogg's cornflakes. To the left is an advertisement for Players Navy Cut tobacco and cigarettes. Pictured in February 1952. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Street Lane, near its junction with Harrogate Road in January 1953. The houses are detached with gardens. In front, some people wait at a tram stop. Tram tracks are visible

5. Moortown in the 1950s

Street Lane, near its junction with Harrogate Road in January 1953. The houses are detached with gardens. In front, some people wait at a tram stop. Tram tracks are visible Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

The corner of Shadwell Lane and Harrogate Road in September 1953. On the right is Scarr's Ltd., hardware merchants, at number 6 Harrogate Parade. Signs near the hedge in centre of the photo are for; H. Crossley, plumber and electrician; A. M. Youngs & Son, decorators; A. Lister, upholstery repairs and a 'To Let' sign. Over the hedge is the premises of E. Wells, haulage contractor, a detached house.

6. Moortown in the 1950s

The corner of Shadwell Lane and Harrogate Road in September 1953. On the right is Scarr's Ltd., hardware merchants, at number 6 Harrogate Parade. Signs near the hedge in centre of the photo are for; H. Crossley, plumber and electrician; A. M. Youngs & Son, decorators; A. Lister, upholstery repairs and a 'To Let' sign. Over the hedge is the premises of E. Wells, haulage contractor, a detached house. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Leeds The Secret Library Leeds