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

The junction of Elland Road and Frankland Street in April 1959. In view is M. Melton's greengrocers.

13. Beeston in the 1950s

The junction of Elland Road and Frankland Street in April 1959. In view is M. Melton's greengrocers. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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Back-to-back houses on Sykes Street in April 1959.

14. Beeston in the 1950s

Back-to-back houses on Sykes Street in April 1959. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Rhodes Street is on the left edge of this photo from April 1959, with a poster for 'The Unpredictable Ken Dodd' at the Empire. Beeston Road follows to the right, a cycle dealer which also appears to be selling vinyl records and various other items, then Sykes Street and Hirst's Carpet Warehouse.

15. Beeston in the 1950s

Rhodes Street is on the left edge of this photo from April 1959, with a poster for 'The Unpredictable Ken Dodd' at the Empire. Beeston Road follows to the right, a cycle dealer which also appears to be selling vinyl records and various other items, then Sykes Street and Hirst's Carpet Warehouse. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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Beeston Road including Hirst's Carpet Warehouse on the left edge and T.A. Howley, hairdresser and chiropodist and J. Shalk's Cheapside Stores at 14 and 12 between Frankland Street and West Place towards to the right. Pictured in April 1959.

16. Beeston in the 1950s

Beeston Road including Hirst's Carpet Warehouse on the left edge and T.A. Howley, hairdresser and chiropodist and J. Shalk's Cheapside Stores at 14 and 12 between Frankland Street and West Place towards to the right. Pictured in April 1959. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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Share your memories of Beeston in the 1950s with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: andrew.hutchinson@jpress.co.uk or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN

17. Enjoyed this gallery?

Share your memories of Beeston in the 1950s with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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