It was a Leeds suburb that once boasted ‘Prosperity Street’. Yet by the mid-1970s large swathes of Little London had been flattened to the ground leaving huge areas of waste ground. These photos show the impact of the demolition as locals walked around empty streets as houses around them disappeared forever. The images are a mix from the YEP archive and others 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 lost Leeds pubs in Chapel Allerton, Chapeltown, Little London and Sheepscar LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
8. Little London in the 1970s
The rear of very old and derelict properties in Queen Square awaiting demolition in October 1974. On the left is number 64 Queen Square, and on the right, number 66. Immediately behind number 64 part of the Cobourg Tavern is visible and faintly in the background the College of Technology can just be seen. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Little London in the 1970s
A derelict property in Queen Square awaiting demolition. Cars are parked on the stone flags. Pictured in October 1974. | YPN Photo: YPN
10. Little London in the 1970s
A view taken from the car park of the Hobby Horse pub on Lovell Park Road,in 1970 looking south-east. Wasteground beside the car park has since been redeveloped with new housing. The block of houses to the left still exists on Lovell Park Hill but is now surrounded by new buildings. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net