Changing Leeds - Spending a penny on Briggate

It was the city centre landmark which proved vital to those caught short.
PIC: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.netPIC: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
PIC: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Do you remember these gentlemen's toilets in the city centre?

They are pictured in January 1947 and were found on the central reservation at the west side of Briggate, with the junction of Boar Lane.

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Other shops in view include Saxone & Sorosis Shoe Co. Ltd., Edmond's wool shop, who at the time were having a 'coupon free stock clearance' as well as Wallis & Co (Costumiers) Ltd, tobacconist S. Tetley & Sons Ltd and Franks (Opticians) Ltd.

PIC: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.netPIC: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
PIC: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
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The second photo, which dates back to the early 1900s, provides an fascinating view in inside toilets which featured tiled cubicles with pot plants above. Divided urinals can be seen. An attendant appears to be keeping guard.

Both 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.

DO YOU REMEMBER THE TOILETS? Share your memories with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN*********************

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