They reveal a city adjusting to the winds of social and economic change while at the same time looking ahead to the future. It was a year which featured a Royal Wedding, a summer of sunshine to remember and plans for a city centre hotel complex. This gallery also takes you around the suburbs with Rothwell, Methley, Harehills and Kirkstall all in focus. 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: 21 rarely-seen photos take you back to Leeds in the 1980s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
19. Leeds in 1981
City centre office workers taking in the sun during their lunch break in June 1981. The photo was taken from the tower of St John's Church. Photo: YPN
21. Enjoyed this gallery?
Share your memories of Leeds in 1981 with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN Photo: ypn
22. Leeds in 1981
Steve Balcombe scores an equaliser against Aston Villa at Elland Road on his Leeds United debut in October 1981. Photo: YPN