Enjoy these photo memories of Leeds city centre in 1954. PIC: British RailwaysEnjoy these photo memories of Leeds city centre in 1954. PIC: British Railways
Enjoy these photo memories of Leeds city centre in 1954. PIC: British Railways

14 photos gems reveal changing face of Leeds city centre in 1954

You can almost hear the trundle of the trams on the tracks in these photo gems of Leeds city centre.
By Andrew Hutchinson
Published 3rd Dec 2021, 04:45 BST
Updated 3rd Dec 2021, 11:36 BST

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They turn the spotlight of life in the city centre during 1954 and capture the changing face of transport in Leeds. Trams on Briggate, Kirkgate, Wellington Street, Vicar Lane and Cookridge Street all in focus in this collection of images which also feature gems of Leeds Central Station from back in the day. They 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: Changing face of Leeds city centre in 1953 LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

Tram no 516 pictured on Kirkgate on route no 9 to Dewsbury Road in October 1954. It has been noted on the photograph that view was taken in connection with burst water main.

7. Leeds city centre in 1954

Tram no 516 pictured on Kirkgate on route no 9 to Dewsbury Road in October 1954. It has been noted on the photograph that view was taken in connection with burst water main. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Nether Mills from the River Aire pictured in March 1954. The building is derelict, and has a large chimney behind.

8. Leeds city centre in 1954

Nether Mills from the River Aire pictured in March 1954. The building is derelict, and has a large chimney behind. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Tram no 199 is pictured entering the tram depot on Swinegate in September 1954.

9. Leeds city centre in 1954

Tram no 199 is pictured entering the tram depot on Swinegate in September 1954. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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September 1954 and tram no 509 is pictured travelling along Cookridge Street towards the junction with Great George Street on route 27 to Hyde Park. I Harris Grocers can be seen on the corner of Cookridge Street. Y W C Club and Cafe can also be seen.

10. Leeds city centre in 1954

September 1954 and tram no 509 is pictured travelling along Cookridge Street towards the junction with Great George Street on route 27 to Hyde Park. I Harris Grocers can be seen on the corner of Cookridge Street. Y W C Club and Cafe can also be seen. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Tram No 6 on Route 16 to the New Inn in October 1954. The tram is on Kirkgate at the side of Kirkgate Market and the camera is looking in the direction of Vicar Lane. Adverts for Mackeson's Stout and Tizer can be seen on the side and front of the tram.

11. Leeds city centre in 1954

Tram No 6 on Route 16 to the New Inn in October 1954. The tram is on Kirkgate at the side of Kirkgate Market and the camera is looking in the direction of Vicar Lane. Adverts for Mackeson's Stout and Tizer can be seen on the side and front of the tram. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Tram No 147 travelling along Briggate on route 15 Whingate in Auguust 1954.

12. Leeds city centre in 1954

Tram No 147 travelling along Briggate on route 15 Whingate in Auguust 1954. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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