The junction of Aire Street and Wellington Street on City Square in June 1939. The focus of the photo is the premises of W Barstow, tobacconists, newsagents, confectioners, hairdressers and L Barstow, chiropody. At the newsagent end of the shop is an extensive display of magazines and newspaper billboards with clear contemporary headlines. There is a neon sign for Capstan cigarettes and below this above the shop doorway an advert for Craven A cigarettes, saying 'for your throat's sake smoke Craven A.' The edge of the railway station can be seen down Aire Street and there is a long line of parked cars along Wellington Street.placeholder image
The junction of Aire Street and Wellington Street on City Square in June 1939. The focus of the photo is the premises of W Barstow, tobacconists, newsagents, confectioners, hairdressers and L Barstow, chiropody. At the newsagent end of the shop is an extensive display of magazines and newspaper billboards with clear contemporary headlines. There is a neon sign for Capstan cigarettes and below this above the shop doorway an advert for Craven A cigarettes, saying 'for your throat's sake smoke Craven A.' The edge of the railway station can be seen down Aire Street and there is a long line of parked cars along Wellington Street. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

17 memorable photos take you back to Leeds city centre in 1939

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 14th Mar 2024, 04:45 GMT

These photos showcase the hustle and bustle of daily life around Leeds city centre during a year of profound change and challenges.

The gallery predominately focuses on the summer of 1939, capturing the daily grind and routine of people unaware that just weeks later - early September to be exact - that Britain and its allies would be at war after Germany's invasion of Poland. The Second World War would go on to become the largest and deadliest conflict in human history. Landmarks in focus in this collection include Leeds Town Hall, The Headrow and City Square as well as familiar streets such as Briggate, Wellington Street, Boar Lane and Albion Street. They are a mix from West Yorkshire Archive Service and others published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. READ MORE: 40 photo gems of Leeds city centre from the 1940s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP NEWSLETTERS: Sign up for free and news and sport emails

Traffic on Great George Street. Pedestrians and streetlamps are visible. The Leeds Education Dept. is on the left. Pictured in July 1939.

13. Leeds city centre in 1939

Traffic on Great George Street. Pedestrians and streetlamps are visible. The Leeds Education Dept. is on the left. Pictured in July 1939. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Albion Street in August 1939. This view is looking towards Boar Lane, across The Headrow. On the left side is the corner of Standard Cars showroom. On right number 127 Charles Whitelock, tailor Number 125, St Ann's Buildings housed Hillman Brothers wireless factors, Leeds Premier Supply Co. Clothing club, Miss Lizzie Crosby artist, Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherds Friendly Society. At the top of the building, sign 'Hearts of Oak' Assurance Co. Ltd. Number 123 S.N. Kilner jeweller has shop blind down to protect window. Next, junction with Coronation Place. 119 Miller Page Furnishing.

14. Leeds city centre in 1939

Albion Street in August 1939. This view is looking towards Boar Lane, across The Headrow. On the left side is the corner of Standard Cars showroom. On right number 127 Charles Whitelock, tailor Number 125, St Ann's Buildings housed Hillman Brothers wireless factors, Leeds Premier Supply Co. Clothing club, Miss Lizzie Crosby artist, Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherds Friendly Society. At the top of the building, sign 'Hearts of Oak' Assurance Co. Ltd. Number 123 S.N. Kilner jeweller has shop blind down to protect window. Next, junction with Coronation Place. 119 Miller Page Furnishing. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Lounge in Student Union building which cost £60,000, built in the grounds of Beech Grove House. Furnished with tubular tables and chairs. Pictured in June 1939.

15. Leeds city centre in 1939

Lounge in Student Union building which cost £60,000, built in the grounds of Beech Grove House. Furnished with tubular tables and chairs. Pictured in June 1939. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Plan of the Leeds (West Street) Planning scheme showing boundaries of West Street, Marlborough Street and Little Queen Street are unhealthy areas. Pictured in August 1939.

16. Leeds city centre in 1939

Plan of the Leeds (West Street) Planning scheme showing boundaries of West Street, Marlborough Street and Little Queen Street are unhealthy areas. Pictured in August 1939. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A janitor polishes the floor of the new theatre, part of £60,000 student union building. The stage area can be seen. Pictured in June 1939.

17. Leeds city centre in 1939

A janitor polishes the floor of the new theatre, part of £60,000 student union building. The stage area can be seen. Pictured in June 1939. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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