Derelict premises of 'Wrigley's' at number 137A Camp Road by the junction with Carlton Street. Corrugated iron blocks up the ground floor of the building and a boy stands in front. A woman walks down the road towards the camera. A bricked up building is visible on the left. Pictured in June 1948.placeholder image
Derelict premises of 'Wrigley's' at number 137A Camp Road by the junction with Carlton Street. Corrugated iron blocks up the ground floor of the building and a boy stands in front. A woman walks down the road towards the camera. A bricked up building is visible on the left. Pictured in June 1948. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Depressing photos take you back to Little London in the 1940s

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 4th Nov 2025, 04:45 GMT

These photo memories from around Little London in the 1940s are are dominated by dereliction and demolition.

The gallery brings together streets and buildings around the community which were in a dark and depressing state of disrepair against a backdrop of life after the Second World War. One of the bright spots among the decay and despair is a factory which provided hope and employment for the local community - clothing manufacturers Hepworths and Son Ltd. 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: 15 rarely-seen photos take you back to Leeds in the 1940s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

Derelict houses at Nos. 45 to 53a Meanwood Street in November 1946.

7. Little London in the 1940s

Derelict houses at Nos. 45 to 53a Meanwood Street in November 1946. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A view along Northfield Terrace with cordoned off, damaged house on the left and Lovell Terrace in the distance. People are stood around looking. Pictured in October 1944.

8. Little London in the 1940s

A view along Northfield Terrace with cordoned off, damaged house on the left and Lovell Terrace in the distance. People are stood around looking. Pictured in October 1944. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A view looking north across Queens Place and Brunswick Terrace in September 1949. In the centre of the photograph is a partially demolished building surrounded by rubble. A sign stands in the middle of the rubble but it is not possible to make out the words. To the left of the photograph is a warehouse. To the right is a building with signs for 'Melbourne Ales' and Brunswick Terrace on the walls.

9. Little London in the 1940s

A view looking north across Queens Place and Brunswick Terrace in September 1949. In the centre of the photograph is a partially demolished building surrounded by rubble. A sign stands in the middle of the rubble but it is not possible to make out the words. To the left of the photograph is a warehouse. To the right is a building with signs for 'Melbourne Ales' and Brunswick Terrace on the walls. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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The premises of J. Hepworth and Sons Ltd, clothing manufacturers, of Clay Pit Lane. Pictured in September 1947.

10. Little London in the 1940s

The premises of J. Hepworth and Sons Ltd, clothing manufacturers, of Clay Pit Lane. Pictured in September 1947. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Derelict houses on Albert Grove - to the rear of Northfield Terrace - in August 1948. The four storey brick buildings have broken, missing or boarded-up windows. The roofs and brickwork are also damaged. In the foreground, a boy stands in front of a garage, more children play on the far left.

11. Little London in the 1940s

Derelict houses on Albert Grove - to the rear of Northfield Terrace - in August 1948. The four storey brick buildings have broken, missing or boarded-up windows. The roofs and brickwork are also damaged. In the foreground, a boy stands in front of a garage, more children play on the far left. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A view from March 1944 showing number 20a Brunswick Terrace 'J.S. Fosters, builder'. The building appears to be abandoned. The ground floor is partially boarded up and the first floor window has no glass in it. The business sign is blackened with dirt and the roof tiles are missing in several places. One can just see the junction with Camp Road to the left of the photo.

12. Little London in the 1940s

A view from March 1944 showing number 20a Brunswick Terrace 'J.S. Fosters, builder'. The building appears to be abandoned. The ground floor is partially boarded up and the first floor window has no glass in it. The business sign is blackened with dirt and the roof tiles are missing in several places. One can just see the junction with Camp Road to the left of the photo. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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