Imperial Hotel on Cross Princess Street in April 1959. This public house was also listed as number 15 New Princess Street. Back-to-back houses on the even numbered side of Dawson Street follow to the right edge. Included in slum clearance plans for Holbeck.Imperial Hotel on Cross Princess Street in April 1959. This public house was also listed as number 15 New Princess Street. Back-to-back houses on the even numbered side of Dawson Street follow to the right edge. Included in slum clearance plans for Holbeck.
Imperial Hotel on Cross Princess Street in April 1959. This public house was also listed as number 15 New Princess Street. Back-to-back houses on the even numbered side of Dawson Street follow to the right edge. Included in slum clearance plans for Holbeck. | West Yorkshire Archive Service

Holbeck in the 1950s: 14 photo gems feature Water Lane and Recreation Crescent

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 25th Jul 2023, 04:45 GMT
Updated 16th Aug 2024, 12:10 GMT
These wonderful photos celebrate the sights and sounds of a decade in the life of Holbeck.

The gallery takes you back to the 1950s to showcase life around the suburb. Trade and industry as well as shops, pubs and familiar streets take centre stage in this nostalgia rewind which is sure to evoke memories from a generation of people who called Holbeck home back in the day. The images are a mix from West Yorkshire Archive Service and others published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. READ MORE: 43 closed Leeds pubs which will stir fond memories for drinkers LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

The front office of Rose and Parkin Ltd Brass Founders on Great Wilson Street in September 1954.

7. Holbeck in the 1950s

The front office of Rose and Parkin Ltd Brass Founders on Great Wilson Street in September 1954. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
The yard at side of Rose and Parkin Ltd. Brass Founders on Great Wilson Street in September 1954.

8. Holbeck in the 1950s

The yard at side of Rose and Parkin Ltd. Brass Founders on Great Wilson Street in September 1954. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
L E Cantral newsagents, and E Chadwick cycle shop on Victoria Road in February 1956. Tram lines are visible in cobbled road. Many advertising boards for various products including Walls sausages, Persil soap powder, Woodbines, Players navy cut cigarettes, Standard fireworks, Hornimans tea and the Evening Post.

9. Holbeck in the 1950s

L E Cantral newsagents, and E Chadwick cycle shop on Victoria Road in February 1956. Tram lines are visible in cobbled road. Many advertising boards for various products including Walls sausages, Persil soap powder, Woodbines, Players navy cut cigarettes, Standard fireworks, Hornimans tea and the Evening Post. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
Croft buildings on Water Lane in August 1950. Three storey brick buildings with bowed windows. Corner of Croft Street visible. Corner building possibly shop owned by Mrs Jones advertising Players and Craven "A" cigarettes.

10. Holbeck in the 1950s

Croft buildings on Water Lane in August 1950. Three storey brick buildings with bowed windows. Corner of Croft Street visible. Corner building possibly shop owned by Mrs Jones advertising Players and Craven "A" cigarettes. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
On the left of this view are four houses which are part of Cobden's Buildings. Both odd and even numbers are in view and numbers run from 3 to 6, left to right. Houses have steps down to basement entrances. Louisa Street follows to the right where numbers 12 and 10 are visible. A barrow containing ladders can be seen in the centre which are likely to belong to a window cleaner. Pictured in April 1959.

11. Holbeck in the 1950s

On the left of this view are four houses which are part of Cobden's Buildings. Both odd and even numbers are in view and numbers run from 3 to 6, left to right. Houses have steps down to basement entrances. Louisa Street follows to the right where numbers 12 and 10 are visible. A barrow containing ladders can be seen in the centre which are likely to belong to a window cleaner. Pictured in April 1959. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

Photo Sales
Recreation Crescent in January 1954. Picture shows the premises of A. Ryder, confectionery shop. Recreation Row is visible on the right. Advertisements for Lyons cakes, Turf cigarettes, Brooke Bond tea, St. Bruno Flake tobacco, Robin cigarettes are all visible outside the shop. A billboard advertises Mansion Polish.

12. Holbeck in the 1950s

Recreation Crescent in January 1954. Picture shows the premises of A. Ryder, confectionery shop. Recreation Row is visible on the right. Advertisements for Lyons cakes, Turf cigarettes, Brooke Bond tea, St. Bruno Flake tobacco, Robin cigarettes are all visible outside the shop. A billboard advertises Mansion Polish. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
Previous
2 / 3
Next Page
Leeds news you can trust since 1890
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice