These wonderful photos transport you back to 1956, a year where an era of trams trundling down the tracks around the city was coming to the end of the line. It was a 12 months which featured trams making their last journey on well travelled routes and the last time the lines would be cleaned by an army of workers. They 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: 30 intriguing photo showcase life around Leeds during the 1950s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. Leeds in 1956
Tram no. 566, on what may have been its last journey on this particular route. Car 566 was last in service on October 10, 1957, was scrapped on March 26, 1959 and was burnt at Churwell on April 4, 1959. It is pictured travelling underneath railway bridge on Bishopgate Street. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
8. Leeds in 1956
An elevated view of City Square in January 1956. In the foreground is a tram alongside a covered tram stop. Lorries, cars, trams and buses are on the road. In the upper right is the statue of Edward, The Black Prince. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Leeds city centre
Tram no 120 travelling along Briggate on Route 2 to Moortown in July 1956. Dolcis Footwear can be seen on right with Manfield and Son Bootmakers visible on junction with Commercial Street. A Craven Dairies delivery van can also be seen. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
10. Leeds city centre
Cookridge Street looking towards junction with Great Goerge Street in March 1956. Tram no 531 on route no 1 to Lawnswood can be seen. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
11. Leeds city centre
Tram line point cleaning being carried out at junction of City Square with Boar Lane (possibly for the last time) in March 1956. Midland Bank can be seen in the background. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
12. Leeds city centre
City Square from Wellington Street in January 1956. The Square is dominated by the statue of the Black Prince on his horse. In the background are Mill Hill Chapel and the Royal Exchange Chambers. On the far right part of the Queen's Hotel can be seen. Tramlines are on the road and a bus and several cars are also visible. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net