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
37. Leeds city centre in the 1940s
The collapse of the road above an archway on Burley Street in November 1947. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
38. Leeds city centre in the 1940s
Tapp & Toothill's on King Street pictured in December 1949. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
39. Leeds city centre in the 1940s
Aire Street looking from City Square in May 1944. On the left is the stone built City station with part of the main entrance and the goods entrance clearly seen. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
40. Leeds city centre in the 1940s
City Museum on Park Row pictured in January 1942. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
41. Leeds city centre in the 1940s
August 1949 and in view is Leeds Civic Hall with the Civic Gardens in the foreground, now the site of Millennium Square. Calverley Street runs to the left of the building and Portland Crescent to the right. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
42. Enjoyed this gallery?
Share your feedback with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net