Boston Spa: 10 of the best photos take you back to the Leeds village in the 1980s

By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 16th May 2024, 04:45 BST

Life along Boston Spa’s High Street falls under the spotlight in this trip down memory lane to the 1980s.

Shops, off-licences, laundrettes, restaurants and pubs are all featured in this gallery of memories from the decade. 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: 21 unseen photos of Wetherby from the 1980s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP NEWSLETTERS: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

The Royal Hotel on High Street pictured in February 1980. The junction with Royal Terrace is on the right.

1. Boston Spa in the 1980s

The Royal Hotel on High Street pictured in February 1980. The junction with Royal Terrace is on the right. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Do you remember this shop on the corner of he High Street and Bridge Road? Pictured in September 1980.

2. Boston Spa in the 1980s

Do you remember this shop on the corner of he High Street and Bridge Road? Pictured in September 1980. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Buildings on the High Street can be seen on the left and the gable end of no 181, a post office, can be seen on the right. Pictured in September 1980.

3. Boston Spa in the 1980s

Buildings on the High Street can be seen on the left and the gable end of no 181, a post office, can be seen on the right. Pictured in September 1980. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

The High Street in September 1980. No 181, a post office, can be seen on the right; it has a red post box in the front wall. No 179 can be seen to the left. A bus stop for service no 79 can be seen to the front of the picture.

4. Boston Spa in the 1980s

The High Street in September 1980. No 181, a post office, can be seen on the right; it has a red post box in the front wall. No 179 can be seen to the left. A bus stop for service no 79 can be seen to the front of the picture. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

179 High Street - these premises sell wines and spirits. The gable end of no 181, the post office, can be seen to the right. Pictured in September 1980.

5. Boston Spa in the 1980s

179 High Street - these premises sell wines and spirits. The gable end of no 181, the post office, can be seen to the right. Pictured in September 1980. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Buildings on the west side of Church Street pictured in January 1982, including Pandora's Box on the right.

6. Boston Spa in the 1980s

Buildings on the west side of Church Street pictured in January 1982, including Pandora's Box on the right. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Celebrating 135 years of telling Leeds' stories

© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Terms and Conditions Privacy notice