Leeds in 1946: How your city moved on from the horrors of war

It was the year your city tried to move on from the horrors of the Second World War.

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 23rd Aug 2023, 04:45 GMT

Updated 23rd Aug 2023, 13:54 GMT

Air raid shelters on City Square, which for years had represented a daily reminder of the clear and present threat of bombings raids by the Nazi German Luftwaffe were demolished. This was 1946, a year in which a city and its residents came back out from the shadows and tried to look to the future. These 18 photos celebrate the year in the life of your city. The images 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. READ MORE: The Leeds Blitz – Nine air raids which brought death and devastation LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

Enjoy these photo memories from around Leeds in 1946.

1. Leeds in 1946

Enjoy these photo memories from around Leeds in 1946. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

The demolition of air raid shelters on City Square in August 1946. Onlookers observe the situation. Standard Buildings with Barclays Bank local head office, Standard Life Assurance and British General Insurance are visible in the background.

2. Leeds in 1946

The demolition of air raid shelters on City Square in August 1946. Onlookers observe the situation. Standard Buildings with Barclays Bank local head office, Standard Life Assurance and British General Insurance are visible in the background. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

The Globe Hotel on Back Rockingham Street in June 1946.

3. Leeds in 1946

The Globe Hotel on Back Rockingham Street in June 1946. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Leeds Marble and Heating Works on Woodhouse Lane at the corner with Rockingham Street in August 1946.

4. Leeds in 1946

Leeds Marble and Heating Works on Woodhouse Lane at the corner with Rockingham Street in August 1946. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Briggate in August 1946. Shops in view include Saxone and Sorosis Shoe Co Ltd, Wallis and Co. (costumiers) Ltd, Tetley and Sons Ltd, tobacconists and Franks (opticians) Ltd and Jackson the tailor.

5. Leeds in 1946

Briggate in August 1946. Shops in view include Saxone and Sorosis Shoe Co Ltd, Wallis and Co. (costumiers) Ltd, Tetley and Sons Ltd, tobacconists and Franks (opticians) Ltd and Jackson the tailor. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Two trams wait at the tram stop on Temple Newsam Road on the outskirts of the Park itself in July 1946. On the left edge, the front of tram number 185. The destination is shown as 'Special Car' travelling on route 1. This route led to Headingley which may be providing a public transport service to a cricket match. In the centre is tram number 273, a small destination board on the side reads 'Strawberry Lane' suggesting the tram would be travelling on route 16 along Tong Road.

6. Leeds in 1946

Two trams wait at the tram stop on Temple Newsam Road on the outskirts of the Park itself in July 1946. On the left edge, the front of tram number 185. The destination is shown as 'Special Car' travelling on route 1. This route led to Headingley which may be providing a public transport service to a cricket match. In the centre is tram number 273, a small destination board on the side reads 'Strawberry Lane' suggesting the tram would be travelling on route 16 along Tong Road. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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