This yard was at the end of Bracewell Row. On the right part of the Sunday School building for Ventnor Street Methodist Church is in view. The yard area has outside toilets, dustbins and piles of rubbish. Three young children are playing in a rain puddle. Pictured in November 1959.placeholder image
This yard was at the end of Bracewell Row. On the right part of the Sunday School building for Ventnor Street Methodist Church is in view. The yard area has outside toilets, dustbins and piles of rubbish. Three young children are playing in a rain puddle. Pictured in November 1959. | West Yorkshire Archive Service

12 bodacious photos take you back to Burley in the 1950s

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 2nd Aug 2025, 16:30 GMT

These bodacious photos chart a decade in the life of Burley in the 1950s.

The gallery showcases life around the community during the decade with shops, factories, local landmarks and cinemas all in focus. The images are published courtesy of West Yorkshire Archive Service, which collects and looks after the unique documentary heritage of the region dating from the 12th century to the present day - more than 800 years of local history. It also runs Catablogue, an online blog dedicated to preserving the past, serving the present and protecting the future. READ MORE: Unseen photos chart of a golden age of Leeds pub culture LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

Burley Terrace in November 1959. On the left is number 3, 5 in the centre and 7 on the right. These were through houses.

7. Burley in the 1950s

Burley Terrace in November 1959. On the left is number 3, 5 in the centre and 7 on the right. These were through houses. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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Lloyd Street is to the left, numbers 92, 94. These were back-to-back houses, facing onto Lloyd Street at the front were numbers 90 and 96. Moving right the end of Burley Terrace can be seen, this was off Ventnor Street. Number 12 is on the left followed by 10, 8. Pictured in November 1959.

8. Burley in the 1950s

Lloyd Street is to the left, numbers 92, 94. These were back-to-back houses, facing onto Lloyd Street at the front were numbers 90 and 96. Moving right the end of Burley Terrace can be seen, this was off Ventnor Street. Number 12 is on the left followed by 10, 8. Pictured in November 1959. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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Pair of houses on Burley Road, number 245 is on the left, 247 to the right. The embankment for the Leeds - Harrogate railway line can be seen on the right. There were extensive gardens to the rear of the houses. Pictured in November 1959.

9. Burley in the 1950s

Pair of houses on Burley Road, number 245 is on the left, 247 to the right. The embankment for the Leeds - Harrogate railway line can be seen on the right. There were extensive gardens to the rear of the houses. Pictured in November 1959. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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This is looking from Burley Terrace to houses fronting onto Ventnor Street. Number 29 is on the left, 27 in the centre, 25 on the right. They had small gardens to the front. Pictured in November 1959.

10. Burley in the 1950s

This is looking from Burley Terrace to houses fronting onto Ventnor Street. Number 29 is on the left, 27 in the centre, 25 on the right. They had small gardens to the front. Pictured in November 1959. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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Rear view of numbers 189, 191 Burley Road. A newsagents business run by L. and B. Terrill was based at number 191. Pictured in November 1959.

11. Burley in the 1950s

Rear view of numbers 189, 191 Burley Road. A newsagents business run by L. and B. Terrill was based at number 191. Pictured in November 1959. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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Number 16 Darnborough Street is partially in view on the left, 14 is on the right. A wooden shed has been built across the gap between the houses. Pictured in November 1959.

12. Burley in the 1950s

Number 16 Darnborough Street is partially in view on the left, 14 is on the right. A wooden shed has been built across the gap between the houses. Pictured in November 1959. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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