Kingsway Cinema on Harrogate Road pictured in August 1937. It seated 1,150 people with car parking available for 150 cars and opened on June 28, 1937 showing 'Head Over Heels' with Jessie Matthews. It boasted of having 'Mirrorphonic' sound. The cinema closed in August 1958. After conversion it re-opened as the New Vilna synagogue on September 6, 1959.placeholder image
Kingsway Cinema on Harrogate Road pictured in August 1937. It seated 1,150 people with car parking available for 150 cars and opened on June 28, 1937 showing 'Head Over Heels' with Jessie Matthews. It boasted of having 'Mirrorphonic' sound. The cinema closed in August 1958. After conversion it re-opened as the New Vilna synagogue on September 6, 1959. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

North Leeds: 17 majestic photos take you back to Moortown in the 1930s

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 13th Sep 2024, 04:45 GMT

These wonderful photos chart a decaide in the life of Moortown in the 1930s

Shops, cinemas, local landmarks and streets which remain familiar to generations of people are featured in this terrific gallery of memories from the 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: 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

Harrogate Road and Ring Road Moortown in May 1931. On the east side there is a row of stone terraces set back slightly from the two shops. One of these is a grocers which features larger roof slates and stone than the other buildings, and a cadbury's advertisement. On the west side of the back yards of three brick buildings are visible. One of these is the post office where two bicycles are parked.

7. Moortown in the 1930s

Harrogate Road and Ring Road Moortown in May 1931. On the east side there is a row of stone terraces set back slightly from the two shops. One of these is a grocers which features larger roof slates and stone than the other buildings, and a cadbury's advertisement. On the west side of the back yards of three brick buildings are visible. One of these is the post office where two bicycles are parked. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Looking from the north on Harrogate Road, 4 1/2 miles from Leeds. A hedgerow has been partially cut away to reveal a free-standing advertising hoarding. This is for the Leeds Permanent Building Society, and depicts its newly constructed head offices on The Headrow. Pictured in February 1932.

8. Moortown in the 1930s

Looking from the north on Harrogate Road, 4 1/2 miles from Leeds. A hedgerow has been partially cut away to reveal a free-standing advertising hoarding. This is for the Leeds Permanent Building Society, and depicts its newly constructed head offices on The Headrow. Pictured in February 1932. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Advertising boards for Corner House cinema from May 1939.

9. Moortown in the 1930s

Advertising boards for Corner House cinema from May 1939. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Premises of Leonard Lax, joiner and contractor on Harrogate Road. Property is up for sale. To left of photo is C E Stephenson, Antique and Modern Decorator. Pictured in September 1934.

10. Moortown in the 1930s

Premises of Leonard Lax, joiner and contractor on Harrogate Road. Property is up for sale. To left of photo is C E Stephenson, Antique and Modern Decorator. Pictured in September 1934. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A collection of stone built, slate roofed houses and shops on Harrogate Road. On the right is a taxi office and T.A. Layton tobacconists. On the pavement two men are talking and further along, a woman is pushing a pram. Pictured in February 1937.

11. Moortown in the 1930s

A collection of stone built, slate roofed houses and shops on Harrogate Road. On the right is a taxi office and T.A. Layton tobacconists. On the pavement two men are talking and further along, a woman is pushing a pram. Pictured in February 1937. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Looking across Harrogate Road past a traffic island towards a row of houses and shops. Three women are walking along the pavement and further along, two men are talking outside the taxi office. Pictured in February 1937.

12. Moortown in the 1930s

Looking across Harrogate Road past a traffic island towards a row of houses and shops. Three women are walking along the pavement and further along, two men are talking outside the taxi office. Pictured in February 1937. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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