19 of the best photos take you back to Leeds in 1953

It was a year Leeds came together to celebrate the coronation of Elizabeth II.

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 28th Sep 2022, 04:45 GMT

Updated 30th Nov 2023, 13:37 GMT

1953 will live long in the memory as a party to remember with communities taking to the streets for good food, good company and good times. The coronation of Elizabeth II took place in June 1953 at Westminster Abbey. She had acceded to the throne at the age of 25 upon the death of her father, George VI. This gallery focuses on the locals celebrations and also features city centre landmarks as well as taking you on a whistle stop tour around the city suburbs. 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: Intriguing pictures show life in Leeds during the 1950s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

The Queens Hotel building in June 1953 which comprised of the hotel with railway station on the right and News Theatre sandwiched in between. The News Theatre opened in 1938 and had only 290 seats, specialising in up to minute news, showing Pathe News and cartoons. The emphasis changed when it became the Tatler film club in 1969 and the Classic in 1979. City Square is decked out for the coronation.

1. Leeds in 1953

The Queens Hotel building in June 1953 which comprised of the hotel with railway station on the right and News Theatre sandwiched in between. The News Theatre opened in 1938 and had only 290 seats, specialising in up to minute news, showing Pathe News and cartoons. The emphasis changed when it became the Tatler film club in 1969 and the Classic in 1979. City Square is decked out for the coronation. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Washing hangs on wasteground in front of Grove Street in June 1953. Buildings on Wellington Street are visible behind, on the far right.

2. Leeds in 1953

Washing hangs on wasteground in front of Grove Street in June 1953. Buildings on Wellington Street are visible behind, on the far right. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

An aerial view of Wetherby Race Course in April 1953.

3. Leeds in 1953

An aerial view of Wetherby Race Course in April 1953. Photo: Yorkshire Post

Vicar Lane in February 1953. On the right is Douthwaite and Co, in the middle is the Central Hosiery Co Ltd with cafe and snack bar underneath. At the left on the corner of Templar Street is the Templar Hotel advertising Melbourne Ales.

4. Leeds in 1953

Vicar Lane in February 1953. On the right is Douthwaite and Co, in the middle is the Central Hosiery Co Ltd with cafe and snack bar underneath. At the left on the corner of Templar Street is the Templar Hotel advertising Melbourne Ales. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photograph by Woodhouse resident Herbert Thompson showing decorations and bunting stretching across Ashfield Street in celebration of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953.

5. Leeds in 1953

Photograph by Woodhouse resident Herbert Thompson showing decorations and bunting stretching across Ashfield Street in celebration of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953. Photo: Anthony Thompson

Knostrop Lock with the River Aire on left pictured in March 1953.

6. Leeds in 1953

Knostrop Lock with the River Aire on left pictured in March 1953. Photo: YPN

Elizabeth II Leeds The Secret Library Leeds Westminster Abbey