This Leeds City Transport bus parked off Grape Steet in Hunslet was available to voters to cast their ballot with Violet Armson making the most of the opportunity. This was Leeds in 1963, a 12 months which featured glitz and glamour as well as fond farewells. It was also a city building for the future with work well underway on The Merrion Centre development. Other city centre landmarks are in focus as well as memories from around the suburbs with Chapel Allerton, Wortley and Kippax all featured. These photos are a mix from the YEP archive and others 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: Unseen photos chart of a golden age of Leeds pub culture LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. Wortley
Retirement of a secretary who had worked for Dunlop and Ranken Limited for 43 years. The steel stockists and constructional engineering firm was founded by John Dunlop in 1911. The had a head office on The Headrow and works at the sidings of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway at Farnley and Wortley | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
8. Seacroft
Land around the Seacroft Windmill being prepared for new buildings in November 1963. Previously a mill used for grinding corn it has now been redeveloped and is part of the Ramada Jarvis Hotel chain. The windmill was located on Mill Green. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Leeds city centre
The outer courtyard of Bean Ing Mills pictured in July 1963. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
10. Chapel Allerton
An evening view of Church Lane in May 1963. A map of 1781 shows that the Turnpike Road from Leeds to Harrogate and Knaresborough initially followed Church Lane, although by 1812 it was routed on the Harrogate Road, as we know it today. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
11. Chapel Allerton
An early morning view of Town Street looking east from the courtyard of the Nags Head pub in June 1963. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
12. Leeds in 1963
Helping to ease the Headingley turf with a drag chain in December 1963 is Leeds RL assistant groundsman Ralph Dockray. Photo: YPN