Tobacconists B. Murgatroyd on the corner of Town Street and Carr Crofts in May 1955. Advertisements for various tobaccos in the window and adverts for the Empire theatre on the wall. Progress Stores is also visible.placeholder image
Tobacconists B. Murgatroyd on the corner of Town Street and Carr Crofts in May 1955. Advertisements for various tobaccos in the window and adverts for the Empire theatre on the wall. Progress Stores is also visible.

West Leeds: 21 ace photos take you back to Armley in the 1950s

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 21st May 2023, 04:45 GMT
Updated 17th May 2024, 10:40 GMT

These photo gems turn the focus on a decade in the life of Armley in the 1950s.

Well-trodden streets and roads familiar to generations of local residents – from Whingate and Strawberry Lane through to Town Street and Theaker Lane – are all featured in this gallery. Landmarks such as Armley House and Christ Church are also in focus. The gallery also takes you inside cabinet makers James Lupton and Sons Ltd in Tong Road Mills. 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: 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

Allotments at the back of Athlone Grove in June 1955. They boasted a diverse collection of garden sheds and pigeon lofts. They are surrounded by wire and wooden fences, one is bounded at the back by a line of small trees. Rooftops and a lone telegraph pole can be seen in the background. There is a brick and slate roofed building on the left with barred windows.

19. Armley in the 1950s

Allotments at the back of Athlone Grove in June 1955. They boasted a diverse collection of garden sheds and pigeon lofts. They are surrounded by wire and wooden fences, one is bounded at the back by a line of small trees. Rooftops and a lone telegraph pole can be seen in the background. There is a brick and slate roofed building on the left with barred windows. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A man can be seen walking alongside the far walkway on Viaduct Road. The road passes under the L.N.E.R. railway track and alongside the River Aire and the Leeds/Liverpool canal. An advertising hoarding for 'Pilot Matches' is visible on the side of the bridge. Pictured in April 1956.

20. Armley in the 1950s

A man can be seen walking alongside the far walkway on Viaduct Road. The road passes under the L.N.E.R. railway track and alongside the River Aire and the Leeds/Liverpool canal. An advertising hoarding for 'Pilot Matches' is visible on the side of the bridge. Pictured in April 1956. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Tower Lane in July 1950. View seen from north of mounting blocks, two steps high, next to a brick building near a path with a stone wall with glass on top.

21. Armley in the 1950s

Tower Lane in July 1950. View seen from north of mounting blocks, two steps high, next to a brick building near a path with a stone wall with glass on top. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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The Gang off Town Street in August 1952. Stead and Simpson shoe shop is next door with a man on a bicycle looking in the window.

22. Armley in the 1950s

The Gang off Town Street in August 1952. Stead and Simpson shoe shop is next door with a man on a bicycle looking in the window. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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