14 rare photos show what Burmantofts looked like in the 1930s

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