It was the decade a new tram deport opened in the heart of Burmantofts. The Torre Road Tram Depot was the home for the fleet in the 1930s. The opening was performed by Sir Josiah Stamp who was chairman of the LMS Railway Company. It is believed he drove tram No 247A, which is at the head of the line of trams, representing all the types then in service in Leeds. Car 247A was built in 1901 and would have been about the oldest in the fleet. Originally built as an open-topper, it had a top-cover fitted in 1910 and windscreens at a later date. The windscreens had been removed for the occasion, presumably to create an "old and new" contrast with the other trams in the procession. 247A's claim to fame was brief as it was taken out of service a couple of weeks later. The band performing in the foreground is the Leeds City Tramways Brass Band. The wonderful photo is one of 14 which make up this collection charting life around Burmantofts in the 1930s. Shops on York Road are featured as well as other local landmarks including Star Cinema. 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: Memories of loved and lost Leeds pubs in Richmond Hill, Burmantofts, Cross Green and East End Park LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. Burmantofts in the 1930s
York Road in November 1938. On the left number 93 York Road, Jack Myers hairdresser, moving to the right, junction with Halton Street. Next, at no.95 George Bowden Clark has tobacconist and sweet shop. Then the entrance to Halton Place. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
8. Burmantofts in the 1930s
York Road at the junction with Marsh Lane on the right. Part of newly built Quarry Hill Flats can also be seen. Pictured in November 1938. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Burmantofts in the 1930s
York Road in November 1938. On the left no.129, John William Daniel, fish and chip shop, next right, Herbert Overton baker. On the gable end of the shops, painted wall sign for Swan Vestas matches. The bakers shop has painted sign for services 'weddings and parties catering'. On the right is the Victoria public house. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
10. Burmantofts in the 1930s
York Road in November 1938. Chantrell Grove, with corner shop premises, no.186 Miss Elizabeth Eshelby owner, windows and displays of drapers goods. To the right at 184A is Harry Wressell boot dealer. Then no.184 F.Blakey, butcher. No.182, James Lyons has a dairy shop. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
11. Burmantofts in the 1930s
York Road in November 1938. On the left, Blossom Street, next right no.87 Mrs Cicely Maud Mallinson, draper no.89 had been premises of John Clark, grocer. Next street junction is Halton Terrace, then Halton Street. Top of Baptist Chapel can just be seen on the right, this was on Halton Place. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
12. Burmantofts in the 1930s
York Road in November 1938 Property ready for demolition. On the right, former premises of Thomas Robinson, boot repairer at no.161. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net