They bring to life the hustle and bustle of Leeds city centre in 1956 and feature a range of shopping streets as well as landmarks. And you can almost hear the trundle of the trams as they travel down the tracks of routes including City Square, Briggate, The Headrow and Wellington Street. 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: The story of the Leeds city centre character known as 'Woodbine Lizzie' LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. Leeds city centre
View of New Market Street and onwards to Vicar Lane from the roof of the Corn Exchange in August 1956. At the left edge Central Road joins New Market Street and the Hepworths building stands on the corner at numbers 16 to 18 New Market Street. Timpson's shoe shop is visible at number 14 and Gallons Ltd., Grocer at number 8. Opposite Central Road in front of the Corn Exchange people can be seen waiting for buses near the shelter. The dark shape of Kirkgate Market looms in the background, right, at the junction with Kirkgate. The main road through to North Street then becomes Vicar Lane. | YPN Photo: YPN
8. Leeds city centre
Tram no 560, pictured at Mill Hill on route 26 to Balm Road in July 1956. Advert for 'Hammonds Guards Ale' can be seen on side of tram. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Leeds city centre
A view looking south along Lands Lane from The Headrow in July 1956. Benefit footwear, Mallories wine and spirit merchants, Campbells home furnishers, Theatre Royal, Ross furs, John Peter's, Albion Place and church visible. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
10. Leeds city centre in 1956
Looking south east along Kirkgate from Central Road in July 1956. The Central Buildings created by architect Thomas W Cutler in 1901. The shops and offices are a Bold Q Anne revival in brick with brown faience giant rusticated pilasters between the shopfronts surmounted by brackets with obelisk finials. Fine wrought iron gates to the inner yard. I. Stephenson Ltd. butchers, J. Sears and Co. (True Form Boot Co.) Ltd. boot and shoe dealers, Chic Modes Ltd. ladies outfitters, Farm Stores Ltd. pork butchers and the Yorkshire Penny Bank shown. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
11. Leeds city centre
Looking from the south entrance of the Victoria Hall towards the magnificent organ at the north end. It was designed by Londoner, Henry Smart, and William Spark of Leeds. Cuthbert Brodrick designed the layout of the hall to accommodate 8,000 'standers'. When William Spark himself became organist he was paid an annual salary of £200 to perform at no less than 100 public concerts per year. The original 900 seats were purchased in July 1858 in preparation for the grand opening on September 7. They cost 3/6d each, total cost: £157 10/- from the firm of Francis Danby. | YPN Photo: YPN
12. Leeds city centre
Tram no 561 on route 18 Cross Gates with tram on route 16 to New Inn Wortley also visible. Photograph taken at City Square in July 1956. Post Office and Majestic cinema and ballroom can also be seen. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net