Quarry Hill Flats on Eastgate pictured in March 1948. Appleyard's petrol station is on the roundabout.placeholder image
Quarry Hill Flats on Eastgate pictured in March 1948. Appleyard's petrol station is on the roundabout. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Take a look back at 40 intriguing photo gems of Leeds city centre in the 1940s

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 20th Oct 2026, 15:04 BST

Leeds city centre in the 1940s: City Square, Leeds Civic Hall, Kirkgate Market, Leeds Bridge and Leeds Parish Church in focus

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

Shops on Boar Lane in February 1944. They include Noel King, jewellers, a shoe repair shop, Zip french cleaners and Black Boy Chocolate Co. Ltd. Above is Whiteley & Akroyd, ladies hairdressers and Doris Waddington's dancing school.

25. Leeds city centre in the 1940s

Shops on Boar Lane in February 1944. They include Noel King, jewellers, a shoe repair shop, Zip french cleaners and Black Boy Chocolate Co. Ltd. Above is Whiteley & Akroyd, ladies hairdressers and Doris Waddington's dancing school. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Premises of Cox & Co. (Leeds) Ltd. of Regent Street in October 1948. It is a car showroom advertising Hillman and Sunbeam Talbot.

26. Leeds city centre in the 1940s

Premises of Cox & Co. (Leeds) Ltd. of Regent Street in October 1948. It is a car showroom advertising Hillman and Sunbeam Talbot. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Bean Ing Mills on Wellington Street in October 1948.

27. Leeds city centre in the 1940s

Bean Ing Mills on Wellington Street in October 1948. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Hartley Hill from North Street pictured in February 1949. The building on the right seen from the side is the Leeds Public Dispensary.

28. Leeds city centre in the 1940s

Hartley Hill from North Street pictured in February 1949. The building on the right seen from the side is the Leeds Public Dispensary. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Leeds City Varieties showing the stage, orchestra pit, stalls and side galleries in January 1949.

29. Leeds city centre in the 1940s

Leeds City Varieties showing the stage, orchestra pit, stalls and side galleries in January 1949. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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The Majestic Cinema, City Square, from the Quebec Street side pictured in April 1947.

30. Leeds city centre in the 1940s

The Majestic Cinema, City Square, from the Quebec Street side pictured in April 1947. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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