Cookridge Street Baths in November 1928. Also known as the Oriental and General baths, they were designed by Cuthbert Brodrick cost £13,000 and were opened in 1867. With some alterations in 1882, they remained in use until finally closing and being demolished in the late 1960s.placeholder image
Cookridge Street Baths in November 1928. Also known as the Oriental and General baths, they were designed by Cuthbert Brodrick cost £13,000 and were opened in 1867. With some alterations in 1882, they remained in use until finally closing and being demolished in the late 1960s. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Evocative photos take you back to Leeds in the 1920s

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 7th Dec 2025, 04:45 BST

These evocative photos capture the sights and sounds of Leeds in the last 20s.

They provide a wonderful perspective of the changes and challenges faced residents of the city during the decade. Landmarks in Leeds city centre are featured as well as memories from around the suburbs with Burley, Chapel Allerton, Armley, Moortown and Harehills all in focus. 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: Watch - Secrets of Leeds Queens Hotel revealed including hidden tunnel LOVE LEEDS? LOV E NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

April 1928 and in focus is a row of derelict houses on Concord Street featuring a property whose gable end has several advertising signs. They would all be demolished in the 1930s and in 1952 Leylands Road would be built on the site, running at right angles to Concord Street.

7. Leylands

April 1928 and in focus is a row of derelict houses on Concord Street featuring a property whose gable end has several advertising signs. They would all be demolished in the 1930s and in 1952 Leylands Road would be built on the site, running at right angles to Concord Street. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Commercial Street in December 1922. This photo shows the premises of John Wales Smith and Sons Ltd., a tailor, then Alexander Hasse, fine art dealer. Also visible is Madame Darling, Ltd. ladies costumier. This is housed in Trinity House on the corner of Trinity Street.

8. Leeds in the 1920s

Commercial Street in December 1922. This photo shows the premises of John Wales Smith and Sons Ltd., a tailor, then Alexander Hasse, fine art dealer. Also visible is Madame Darling, Ltd. ladies costumier. This is housed in Trinity House on the corner of Trinity Street. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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The old premises of H & D Hart milliner and furriers on Briggate pictured in August 1925. Harts re-located to 116 Briggate to make way for the Paramount Cinema which opened in 1932.

9. Leeds city centre

The old premises of H & D Hart milliner and furriers on Briggate pictured in August 1925. Harts re-located to 116 Briggate to make way for the Paramount Cinema which opened in 1932. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Cross Gates Recreation ground in March 1927. Houses on Park Avenue are visible behind.

10. Crossgates

Cross Gates Recreation ground in March 1927. Houses on Park Avenue are visible behind. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Becketts Park pavilion pictured in June 1927. The estate was once part of Kirkstall Abbey property. The Beckett family bought the land in 1834 and renamed it Kirkstall Grange. In 1908 Lord Grimthorpe sold the estate to the city of Leeds who opened a college on the site.

11. Headingley

Becketts Park pavilion pictured in June 1927. The estate was once part of Kirkstall Abbey property. The Beckett family bought the land in 1834 and renamed it Kirkstall Grange. In 1908 Lord Grimthorpe sold the estate to the city of Leeds who opened a college on the site. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Appleyard petrol station and garage at Sheepscar in February 1928. The company was founded by John Ernest Appleyard, who opened his first business in Park Row in 1919. The North Street Garage opened in October 1927.

12. Sheepscar

Appleyard petrol station and garage at Sheepscar in February 1928. The company was founded by John Ernest Appleyard, who opened his first business in Park Row in 1919. The North Street Garage opened in October 1927. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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