Harry Bolton's bakers and confectioners on Lady Pit Lane in April 1959. On the right is the Ramsdens Ales owned Shakespeare Inn, which had Fred Smith as the landlord at this time and had a smoke room to the left and a tap room to the right. The area was substantially altered after slum clearance.placeholder image
Harry Bolton's bakers and confectioners on Lady Pit Lane in April 1959. On the right is the Ramsdens Ales owned Shakespeare Inn, which had Fred Smith as the landlord at this time and had a smoke room to the left and a tap room to the right. The area was substantially altered after slum clearance. | West Yorkshire Archive Service

18 of the best photos take you back to Beeston in the 1950s

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 1st Apr 2025, 08:31 GMT

These photos turn back the clock to showcase life around Beeston during a decade of change.

They focus on shops, streets and landmarks around LS11 in the 1950s, a decade which saw a community bounce back after the trauma and loss of the Second World War. A number of streets featured in this gallery no longer exist after being demolished as part of slum clearance plans. 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: 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

A view up Wesley Street with brick semi detached houses followed by brick terraces in April 1951.

7. Beeston in the 1950s

A view up Wesley Street with brick semi detached houses followed by brick terraces in April 1951. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
R. Burton-Spence hardware dealer on the north east side of Dewsbury Road pictured in May 1953. Next to that is Electronic Services.

8. Beeston in the 1950s

R. Burton-Spence hardware dealer on the north east side of Dewsbury Road pictured in May 1953. Next to that is Electronic Services. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
Two boys play in the yard, the one to the right rides a tricycle and has a cowboy hat in his hand on Moorville Place in April 1959. On the left edge of this view in the background part of Shaftesbury House can be seen which was, until recently, used as a hostel.

9. Beeston in the 1950s

Two boys play in the yard, the one to the right rides a tricycle and has a cowboy hat in his hand on Moorville Place in April 1959. On the left edge of this view in the background part of Shaftesbury House can be seen which was, until recently, used as a hostel. Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

Photo Sales
Beeston County Primary School and K.Burtons, plumbers on Town Street pictured in April 1955.

10. Beeston in the 1950s

Beeston County Primary School and K.Burtons, plumbers on Town Street pictured in April 1955. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
Beeston's Essex Road, Shelley Street, Moorville Place in April 1959. Folly Lane remains and Moorville Place is now known as Lady Pit Lane. Brett Gardens later occupied this site, originally built as modern housing for people moved due to slum clearances but also subsequently used as hostels.

11. Beeston in the 1950s

Beeston's Essex Road, Shelley Street, Moorville Place in April 1959. Folly Lane remains and Moorville Place is now known as Lady Pit Lane. Brett Gardens later occupied this site, originally built as modern housing for people moved due to slum clearances but also subsequently used as hostels. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

Photo Sales
Hampden Street in April 1959. Shaftesbury House can be seen on the right edge. This area of Beeston was redeveloped after slum clearance.

12. Beeston in the 1950s

Hampden Street in April 1959. Shaftesbury House can be seen on the right edge. This area of Beeston was redeveloped after slum clearance. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
Previous
2 / 3
Next Page
Related topics:Beeston
Celebrating 135 years of telling Leeds' stories
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice