The hands above the former Dyson’s shop on Lower Briggate moved forward just 17 minutes over nine months in 1990. But therein lies a mystery. How did they move? The timepiece stopped when the long established clockmaker’s shop closed in March 1990. The timepiece was wound by hand and could run for four days before it needed another wind. For months it had been stopped at 8.58 but an eagle-eyed observer stopped it had suddenly moved forward to 9.15. Dennis Liddan, former shop manager, reckoned the clock mechanism must have been moved by accident. “Architects have been surveying the place,” he said. “And I can only think they have touched the time motion’s works.” The memory is one of 21 celebrating a year in the life of your Leeds and its residents at the dawn of a new decade. 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: 21 mouth-watering memories of Leeds restaurants in the 1990s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on faceook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
2. Cross Gates
Station Hotel, who played in Division One of the Leeds Sunday League, pictured in September 1990. Back row, from left, are Stewart Howcroft, Carl Sharman, Craig Smith, Matthew Hill, Phil Sharp, Chris Mabbut. Front row, from left, are Steve Gardner, Neil Doughty, Simon Tetley, Mick McAndrew and Jimmy Stead. Photo: Steve Riding
3. Yeadon
Haw Lane was barely wide enough to take a car yet two signs had been put up in August 1990 telling motorists they could travel at 50mph. "A length of road that is not subject to any street lighting is automatically de-restricted under law which means vehicles can travel at 50mph," said the chief traffic engineer for Leeds at the time. Photo: YPN
4. Leeds city centre
Park Row in November 1990, showing the Bank of Scotland. There are railings outside and steps leading down to Roberto Moura, hairdresser in the basement of the building. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Local football
Dirty play. Crown Reserves goalkeeper Craig Eustace scrambles for the ball on a mud bath Stray pitch under pressure from CEGB striker Michael Oakes. Pictured in February 1990. Photo: Steve Riding
6. Leeds city centre
The east side of Briggate showing the entrance to the Empire Arcade in December 1990. This was opened in 1964 on the site of the old Empire Theatre; in 1996 it was redeveloped to become Harvey Nichols. R.L.Gowns, ladieswear, can be seen in the arcade. Next to it on Briggate is Rose's Jewellers, then a shop in the process of being redeveloped. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net