The corner of Upper Headrow and New Briggate in October 1928. Number 1 New Briggate Allan Schofield, tobacconist. At number 3 is Edward Skelton, hosiery, above are offices housing numerous businesses and organisations. At number 5 is Wm. Brownfoot and son, window blind makers. Number 7 Madame Kate Peterson, corset maker. Number 9 Stone Brothers tailors with number 11 J & H Smith ironmongers. Also visible is Blooms, opticians and George Ashworth furniture dealers. All these shops were later closed or moved premises to make way for the Lewis's department store which opened 1932.placeholder image
The corner of Upper Headrow and New Briggate in October 1928. Number 1 New Briggate Allan Schofield, tobacconist. At number 3 is Edward Skelton, hosiery, above are offices housing numerous businesses and organisations. At number 5 is Wm. Brownfoot and son, window blind makers. Number 7 Madame Kate Peterson, corset maker. Number 9 Stone Brothers tailors with number 11 J & H Smith ironmongers. Also visible is Blooms, opticians and George Ashworth furniture dealers. All these shops were later closed or moved premises to make way for the Lewis's department store which opened 1932. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Evocative photos take you back to Leeds city centre in 1928

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 10th Nov 2024, 16:30 GMT

These evocative photos showcase a year in the life of Leeds city centre at the end of the 1920s.

They turn back the clock to1928 and provide a fascinating glimpse into a city at work, rest and play. Landmarks and well travelled streets such as Lower Briggate, Vicar Lane and The Headrow are all featured in this trip down memory lane. 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: 22 fascinating photos take you back to Leeds in the 1920s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

A view looking from Park Row on to Junction with Park Lane and Cookridge Street. Pitman's Business and Secretarial School can be seen on the left. Clock Tower of Town Hall can be seen in distance.

7. Leeds city centre

A view looking from Park Row on to Junction with Park Lane and Cookridge Street. Pitman's Business and Secretarial School can be seen on the left. Clock Tower of Town Hall can be seen in distance. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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North passage, off the Lower Headrow looking south west towards the Lower Headrow, nos 4-8 North passage were set back slightly in their own yard.

8. Leeds city centre

North passage, off the Lower Headrow looking south west towards the Lower Headrow, nos 4-8 North passage were set back slightly in their own yard. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A row of terrace houses on Newton Street off Burley Road. A property has been demolished on the left.

9. Leeds city centre

A row of terrace houses on Newton Street off Burley Road. A property has been demolished on the left. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Shop on the corner is 3 Burley Road, John Penny, newsagent.

10. Leeds city centre

Shop on the corner is 3 Burley Road, John Penny, newsagent. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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On the left, junction of Nelson Street and Vicar Lane, The Black Swan was number 90 Vicar Lane, landlord George Cartwright. Nelson Street was demolished to widen Eastgate which was under construction from the early 1930s.

11. Leeds city centre

On the left, junction of Nelson Street and Vicar Lane, The Black Swan was number 90 Vicar Lane, landlord George Cartwright. Nelson Street was demolished to widen Eastgate which was under construction from the early 1930s. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Cookridge Street with junction of Park Lane. Various businesses make up the property that was addressed as Cookridge Street number 1. Visible are signs for Pitman's school, R. Kidson Swales. At Cookridge Street number 3, we have Harry Bentley, hairdresser. N.G. Bailey electrical engineers signs for the Catholic Herald, Scattergood and Johnson Ltd can also be seen.

12. Leeds city centre

Cookridge Street with junction of Park Lane. Various businesses make up the property that was addressed as Cookridge Street number 1. Visible are signs for Pitman's school, R. Kidson Swales. At Cookridge Street number 3, we have Harry Bentley, hairdresser. N.G. Bailey electrical engineers signs for the Catholic Herald, Scattergood and Johnson Ltd can also be seen. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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