Holbeck Baths pictured in September 1926. Located on Holbeck Lane, the baths were opened in 1898 and closed in 1979. This view shows the swimming pool with diving platform. To the left, steps leading to a spectators balcony with changing cubicles underneath. More cubicles can be seen behind the diving board.Holbeck Baths pictured in September 1926. Located on Holbeck Lane, the baths were opened in 1898 and closed in 1979. This view shows the swimming pool with diving platform. To the left, steps leading to a spectators balcony with changing cubicles underneath. More cubicles can be seen behind the diving board.
Holbeck Baths pictured in September 1926. Located on Holbeck Lane, the baths were opened in 1898 and closed in 1979. This view shows the swimming pool with diving platform. To the left, steps leading to a spectators balcony with changing cubicles underneath. More cubicles can be seen behind the diving board.

15 historic photos take you back to Holbeck in the 1920s

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson
Published 30th Dec 2023, 04:45 BST

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This gallery invites you to take the plunge and enjoy these wonderful memories charting a decade in the life of Holbeck.

The starting point for this focus on the suburb in the 1920s is Holbeck Baths, a much-loved community hub which helped generations of people to swim. The photos also feature other well known landmarks such as the post office and and showcase well-travelled streets around the area including Spence Lane and Domestic Street. 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: 33 closed Leeds pubs which will stir fond memories for drinkers LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

Holbeck Pitt Conservative Club on Shafton Lane pictured in January 1929.

7. Holbeck in the 1920s

Holbeck Pitt Conservative Club on Shafton Lane pictured in January 1929. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Domestic Street in November 1929. A row of shops are in focus, most of which are taken up by the premises of Mrs Sarah Ann Lee, beer retailer. A sign on the top of the main building advertises 'William Whittaker & Co Ltd of Bradford' - the beer shop advertises Tetley's ales and Bass lager. The steeple of St Matthew's Church can be seen in the distance.

8. Holbeck in the 1920s

Domestic Street in November 1929. A row of shops are in focus, most of which are taken up by the premises of Mrs Sarah Ann Lee, beer retailer. A sign on the top of the main building advertises 'William Whittaker & Co Ltd of Bradford' - the beer shop advertises Tetley's ales and Bass lager. The steeple of St Matthew's Church can be seen in the distance. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A public toilet for men set in the road at the junction of Dewsbury Road and Meadow Road. Pictured in April 1927.

9. Holbeck in the 1920s

A public toilet for men set in the road at the junction of Dewsbury Road and Meadow Road. Pictured in April 1927. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A parade of shops on Domestic Street pictured in November 1929. On the right is 28 Domestic Street - newsagents owned by Mrs Ethel Hartley. Next is Cross Atkinson Street, then 24 Domestic Street - a small shop owned by William Lindsay. Advertisements are plastered over the fronts of both shops. St. Matthew's Church is visible in the distance.

10. Holbeck in the 1920s

A parade of shops on Domestic Street pictured in November 1929. On the right is 28 Domestic Street - newsagents owned by Mrs Ethel Hartley. Next is Cross Atkinson Street, then 24 Domestic Street - a small shop owned by William Lindsay. Advertisements are plastered over the fronts of both shops. St. Matthew's Church is visible in the distance. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Globe Road Bridge in August 1926. Hide and skin market on the street to the left. Large part of Globe Road has been dug up. Two signs marked 'no road', block access down the road. Further down Globe Road, a group of eight workers are using pickaxes to dig the road up. Simingtons Ltd, cardboard box manufacturers is to the right of them.

11. Holbeck in the 1920s

Globe Road Bridge in August 1926. Hide and skin market on the street to the left. Large part of Globe Road has been dug up. Two signs marked 'no road', block access down the road. Further down Globe Road, a group of eight workers are using pickaxes to dig the road up. Simingtons Ltd, cardboard box manufacturers is to the right of them. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A view from the junction of Wortley Lane with Holbeck Lane in November 1929. It shows the Post Office at the end of Holbeck Lane with the name S.A. Westerman above. Seen to the right is a shop with advertisements outside, including Mansion polish, Lyon's jellies, Hudson's Soap, Brooke Bond Tea, Capstan cigarettes. The Church spire is that of St. John The Baptist.

12. Holbeck in the 1920s

A view from the junction of Wortley Lane with Holbeck Lane in November 1929. It shows the Post Office at the end of Holbeck Lane with the name S.A. Westerman above. Seen to the right is a shop with advertisements outside, including Mansion polish, Lyon's jellies, Hudson's Soap, Brooke Bond Tea, Capstan cigarettes. The Church spire is that of St. John The Baptist. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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