This photo shows Cecil Road in October 1955. On the left is Cecil Road Council School. A lollipop stick is visible in the playground. Advertisements for the 'Sports Gala' can be seen in the window of the school. To the right is a sign for the 'Hygienic Laundry'.placeholder image
This photo shows Cecil Road in October 1955. On the left is Cecil Road Council School. A lollipop stick is visible in the playground. Advertisements for the 'Sports Gala' can be seen in the window of the school. To the right is a sign for the 'Hygienic Laundry'. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

West Leeds: 18 awe-inspiring photos take you back to Armley in the 1950s

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 5th Jan 2025, 16:00 GMT

These awe-inspiri ng photos are sure to evoke memories for a generation of those who called Armley home in the 1950s

Pubs, shops, churches and schools as well as the suburb’s links to a well-known businessman best known for his buses are all featured in this wonderful look at life around the community during the decade. The images 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: Photo gems take you around the streets of Armley in the 1960s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

Armley House at Gotts Park in March 1950. Former home of Benjamin Gott, Leeds clothing manufacturer, owner of Bean Ing Mills, Wellington Street, probably the first integrated woollen mill, combining steam powered spinning and hand loom weaving on one site.

7. Armley in the 1950s

Armley House at Gotts Park in March 1950. Former home of Benjamin Gott, Leeds clothing manufacturer, owner of Bean Ing Mills, Wellington Street, probably the first integrated woollen mill, combining steam powered spinning and hand loom weaving on one site. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Armley Road and Thornton Place in August 1958.

8. Armley in the 1950s

Armley Road and Thornton Place in August 1958. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Bakehouse Yard in March 1958.

9. Armley in the 1950s

Bakehouse Yard in March 1958. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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On the left is Brancepeth Place, a street of back-to-back terraced houses and industrial buildings, on the right. At the corner is number 2 Brancepeth Place, the Albert Inn supported by Hammonds Tower Ales. Just visible on the far right is Brancepeth Street.

10. Armley in the 1950s

On the left is Brancepeth Place, a street of back-to-back terraced houses and industrial buildings, on the right. At the corner is number 2 Brancepeth Place, the Albert Inn supported by Hammonds Tower Ales. Just visible on the far right is Brancepeth Street. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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This photo from May 1956 shows Viaduct Road which passes under the L.N.E.R railway track. The premises of 'Appleyard for Morris, on North Street', is advertised across the bridge. To the right is 'Appleyards Scrapyard', with ladders, fencing, crates and an old bus visible behind the wall.

11. Armley in the 1950s

This photo from May 1956 shows Viaduct Road which passes under the L.N.E.R railway track. The premises of 'Appleyard for Morris, on North Street', is advertised across the bridge. To the right is 'Appleyards Scrapyard', with ladders, fencing, crates and an old bus visible behind the wall. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Ellis Square on Theaker Lane in January 1956. Square of houses, with streetlamp surrounded by dustbins in the middle.

12. Armley in the 1950s

Ellis Square on Theaker Lane in January 1956. Square of houses, with streetlamp surrounded by dustbins in the middle. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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