The Odeon Cinema inside the newly built Merrion Centre on balcony level. The image was taken before the phase which created Morrison Supermarket and Merrion House.placeholder image
The Odeon Cinema inside the newly built Merrion Centre on balcony level. The image was taken before the phase which created Morrison Supermarket and Merrion House. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

35 of the best photos take you back to Leeds in 1965

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 12th Dec 2024, 04:45 BST

These fabulous photos chart a year in the life of Leeds in the mid 1960s.

They turn back the clock to 1965 and showcase news stories from the year which included a Royal visit. City centre landmarks are also featured including a newly built cinema as well as a range of memories from the suburbs with Bramley, Thorner, Hyde Park, Beeston, Garforth and Crossgates in focus. The images are a mix from the YEP archive and others 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

Station master Thomas Imeson on the platform at Arthibgton Station in March 1965.

13. Arthington

Station master Thomas Imeson on the platform at Arthibgton Station in March 1965. | YPN Photo: YPN

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Match action from Leeds United's Inter Cities Fairs Cup second round second leg clash against SC Leipzig at Elland Road in December 1965. The game finished goalless.

14. Leeds United

Match action from Leeds United's Inter Cities Fairs Cup second round second leg clash against SC Leipzig at Elland Road in December 1965. The game finished goalless. | YPN Photo: YPN

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One of the chimney stacks at Bean Ing Mills on Wellington Street being demolished.

15. Leeds city centre

One of the chimney stacks at Bean Ing Mills on Wellington Street being demolished. | YPN Photo: YPN

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July 1965 and Shaftesbury House, Leeds Corporation's large 531 bedroomed municipal hostel on Beeston Road, was being improved. Pictured are Coun Mrs A Malcolm, seated, and the manageress, Mrs. W. Breeze, pictured in the new reception lounge.

16. Beeston

July 1965 and Shaftesbury House, Leeds Corporation's large 531 bedroomed municipal hostel on Beeston Road, was being improved. Pictured are Coun Mrs A Malcolm, seated, and the manageress, Mrs. W. Breeze, pictured in the new reception lounge. | YPN Photo: YPN

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Tjis picturesque horse-draw wagonette which used to ply between Ilkley and Bolton Abbey more than 70 years ago, was enjoying a new lease of life in October 1965. Discovered in an Ilkley barn last year, it was used by Ilkley Round Table for an old-time event, and had been bought by antique dealer, Mr. R. H. Head.

17. Burley-in-Wharfedale

Tjis picturesque horse-draw wagonette which used to ply between Ilkley and Bolton Abbey more than 70 years ago, was enjoying a new lease of life in October 1965. Discovered in an Ilkley barn last year, it was used by Ilkley Round Table for an old-time event, and had been bought by antique dealer, Mr. R. H. Head. | YPN Photo: YPN

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A British Midland Douglas DC3 came off the runway at Leeds Bradford Airport in February 1965.

18. Yeadon

A British Midland Douglas DC3 came off the runway at Leeds Bradford Airport in February 1965. | YPN Photo: YPN

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