These photos provide an intriguing glimpse into life in Leeds city centre during a decade dominated by the Second World War. They showcase a city coping with the trauma of conflict and determined to build back better with a proud community spirit. Landmarks featured include City Square, Leeds Civic Hall, Kirkgate Market, Leeds Bridge and Leeds Parish Church. Also in focus are well-known streets including Briggate, Kirkgate, The Headrow, Boar Lane, Commercial Street and Vicar Lane. 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: Nostalgic photos capture life around Leeds in 1940 LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
19. Leeds city centre in the 1940s
The County Hotel, originally a Temperance hotel, at the junction of Eastgate with Vicar Lane pictured in December 1949. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
20. Leeds city centre in the 1940s
Leeds Bridge to Bridge End in October 1945. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
21. Leeds city centre in the 1940s
Briggate over Leeds Bridge in November 1949. On the left is H. Wigfall & Son Ltd., furnishers on Bridge End. Further along on Briggate is The Golden Lion Hotel. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
22. Leeds city centre in the 1940s
A view looking north from Leeds Bridge onto Briggate in November 1949. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
23. Leeds city centre in the 1940s
The junction of Call Lane and New Market Street in January 1949. The dome of Kirkgate Market is visible. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
24. Leeds city centre in the 1940s
The west side of Briggate in January 1947, with the junction with Boar Lane on the left. In the foreground is a police telephone box and the entrance to the Gentlemen's public toilets. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net