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. Pictured in April 1897.placeholder image
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. Pictured in April 1897. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Amazing photos showcase life in Leeds during the 1890s

By Andrew Hutchinson
Published 4th Jun 2020, 06:00 GMT
Updated 16th Jun 2020, 08:08 GMT

It proved to be a decade of firsts for Leeds with the city leading the way in innovation and ambition.

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

Disraeli Place in December 1897. Pictured are three 'two up two down' terrace houses - a woman holds a baby in the doorway of the middle house.

7. Hunslet

Disraeli Place in December 1897. Pictured are three 'two up two down' terrace houses - a woman holds a baby in the doorway of the middle house. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Terraced houses in Brass Street and Copper Street. Children in doorways. Top of gas lamp can be seen to right of photo from June 1898.

8. Bank

Terraced houses in Brass Street and Copper Street. Children in doorways. Top of gas lamp can be seen to right of photo from June 1898. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A views of gardens at Grafton Street in September 1897.

9. Little London

A views of gardens at Grafton Street in September 1897. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Terrace houses on Burmantofts Street which are partially demolished. Part of a terrace can be seen on the right hand side of the picture and in front is a man and a woman.

10. Burmantofts

Terrace houses on Burmantofts Street which are partially demolished. Part of a terrace can be seen on the right hand side of the picture and in front is a man and a woman. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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The junction of Briggate and Boar Lane during the relaying of tram tracks in September 1899. The tracks were made at Hunslet Steel Works and laid out in a network.

11. Leeds city centre

The junction of Briggate and Boar Lane during the relaying of tram tracks in September 1899. The tracks were made at Hunslet Steel Works and laid out in a network. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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This photo shows the demolition of the Old Infirmary, which was located on Infirmary Street. It was replaced by the present Leeds General Infirmary on Great George Street.

12. Leeds city centre

This photo shows the demolition of the Old Infirmary, which was located on Infirmary Street. It was replaced by the present Leeds General Infirmary on Great George Street. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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