Enjoy these photos showcasing life in Leeds during the 1890s. PICS: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.netEnjoy these photos showcasing life in Leeds during the 1890s. PICS: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
Enjoy these photos showcasing life in Leeds during the 1890s. PICS: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Amazing photos showcase life in Leeds during the 1890s

It proved to be a decade of firsts for Leeds with the city leading the way in innovation and ambition.
By Andrew Hutchinson
Published 4th Jun 2020, 06:00 BST
Updated 16th Jun 2020, 08:08 BST

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The 1890s saw your YEP established, Leeds granted city status, the world's first film was shot in Leeds by Louis Le Prince, and Headingley, the first Leeds golf club was founded. The decade also witnessed the first overhead electric trams in Europe running from Sheepscar to Roundhay, as well as the first motoring offence prosecution in the city. Enjoy these photos, published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, run by Leeds Library & Information Service, which showcase life across Leeds. READ MORE: Fantastic photos show life in Leeds during the 1910s | Astonishing photos of Leeds city centre during the 1920s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

This view shows Barran's Drinking Fountain at Roundhay Park which was presented to the park by Sir John Barran Bart, the former mayor of Leeds. Twenty taps supplied the water each with a bronze drinking cup attached.

1. 1892

This view shows Barran's Drinking Fountain at Roundhay Park which was presented to the park by Sir John Barran Bart, the former mayor of Leeds. Twenty taps supplied the water each with a bronze drinking cup attached. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Black Swan Yard in the city centre and part of North Street Improvement Area, now part of Vicar Lane. On the left houses, some with basements, access down steps from pavement. Railings act as barriers to open area.

2. October 1898

Black Swan Yard in the city centre and part of North Street Improvement Area, now part of Vicar Lane. On the left houses, some with basements, access down steps from pavement. Railings act as barriers to open area. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Smithfield Hotel on North Street. The named derived from the fact that it was opposite the Smithfield meat market, the site of which became Lovell Park. The hotel closed in the early 1900s

3. April 1897

Smithfield Hotel on North Street. The named derived from the fact that it was opposite the Smithfield meat market, the site of which became Lovell Park. The hotel closed in the early 1900s Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Melbourne Street, from North Street, during demolition of buildings at this end of the street as part of improvements to the area. A line of children in period dress pose for the camera.

4. April 1897

Melbourne Street, from North Street, during demolition of buildings at this end of the street as part of improvements to the area. A line of children in period dress pose for the camera. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Nelson Street was situated parallel to Union Street. A small group of people are at the end of the street. One boy is holding a porters' wheels.

5. October 1898

Nelson Street was situated parallel to Union Street. A small group of people are at the end of the street. One boy is holding a porters' wheels. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A view along the length of excavations of old cellars in Aire Street, showing piping being laid, workman standing at edge of trench and workman's hut. Also in view is the premises of Rhodes and North.

6. May 1899

A view along the length of excavations of old cellars in Aire Street, showing piping being laid, workman standing at edge of trench and workman's hut. Also in view is the premises of Rhodes and North. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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