It was a decade of dereliction lived, in large part, against the backdrop of the Second World War. These fascinating photos turn the spotlight on Holbeck in the 1940s. They bring together memories of social clubs and factories, many of which were closed and in a state of dereliction. Street scenes with back to back houses in the heart of the community are also in focus. 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: Memories of lost Leeds pubs in Beeston, Holbeck and Cottingley LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. Holbeck in the 1940s
Rear view of derelict number 78 Victoria Road, the premises of H Brady. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
8. Holbeck in the 1940s
a British Restaurant, a cheap public eating place during World War II, under construction on Whitehall Road. The walls are in place but the roof is missing. Wm. Blackburn & Co. clothiers is visible in the background on Springwell Street. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Holbeck in the 1940s
Looking east-north-east at Monk Bridge, from the west bank of the River Aire. Taken after the removal of ornamentation and painting. The side of the bridge is riveted metal trellis. Pictured in November 1946. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
10. Holbeck in ghe 1940s
Brick back to back terrace houses on Staincross Terrace in December 1946. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
11. Holbeck in the 1940s
Staincross Terrace in December 1946. On the left, a part of a brick terrace with a neat front garden and an arched corrugated iron shed in the side garden. A brick railway viaduct runs at right angles to the house. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
12. Holbeck in the1940s
Building a water tank for emergency use, workmen are laying the base. In the cenre, George Fletcher, brass and aluminium foundry was at 82 Victoria Road. Pictured in October 1941. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net