Richard Boston & Sons, a fruit, game and fish market on Boar Lane used by those wishing to avoid the larger markets located opposite Holy Trinity Church. placeholder image
Richard Boston & Sons, a fruit, game and fish market on Boar Lane used by those wishing to avoid the larger markets located opposite Holy Trinity Church. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Extraordinary photos take you back to Leeds city centre in the early 1900s

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 23rd Oct 2024, 04:45 GMT

It was the city centre store described as providing fifty varieties of fish including Oysters, every bird imaginable, thirty six varieties of vegetables, one hundred sorts of fruit.

Richard Boston & Sons was found on Boar Lane, the home of Leeds most stylish shops, in the early 1900s.The Waddington's 1894 Guide to Leeds described it as offering '...a selection of luxuries too numerous to name and a business-like briskness in attention to the smallest order are within the customers reach'. This photo of the shop front displaying fresh poultry while staff stand gathered at the front.is one of more than 20 showcasing life in Leeds city centre during the first decade of the 1900s. Other landmarks featured in this gallery of memories include City Square, Kirkgate, Briggate and Lands Lane. READ MORE: The story of the Leeds city centre character known as 'Woodbine Lizzie' LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

The junction of Duncan Street and Briggate. Zeala Meat Co Ltd Butchers at 153 with Cavendish Restaurant at 154. Next to this is the Central Meat Market with Cooper and Co Tea Stores at 56 and Peels Printers above. A sign for Fairburn restaurant entrance can be seen. Pictured in February 1908.

7. Leeds city centre

The junction of Duncan Street and Briggate. Zeala Meat Co Ltd Butchers at 153 with Cavendish Restaurant at 154. Next to this is the Central Meat Market with Cooper and Co Tea Stores at 56 and Peels Printers above. A sign for Fairburn restaurant entrance can be seen. Pictured in February 1908. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Angel Inn looking from the yard between Briggate and Lands Lane in March 1907.. The Inn dates from the late 18th century, although is thought to have been altered in the late nineteenth century. It closed as an inn in 1903 but continued in use as business premises. At the time of the photograph the name James Johnson is above the door.

8. Leeds city centre

Angel Inn looking from the yard between Briggate and Lands Lane in March 1907.. The Inn dates from the late 18th century, although is thought to have been altered in the late nineteenth century. It closed as an inn in 1903 but continued in use as business premises. At the time of the photograph the name James Johnson is above the door. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A group of small children, standing by an old stone wall on Chorley Lane in March 1904. A man is standing further back. To left of photo can be seen the premises of Clark, Hall and Atkinson, Wholesale Clothiers.

9. Leeds city centre

A group of small children, standing by an old stone wall on Chorley Lane in March 1904. A man is standing further back. To left of photo can be seen the premises of Clark, Hall and Atkinson, Wholesale Clothiers. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Inside Ceylon Cafe in County Arcade in September 1906. This cafe originally opened in 1903.

10. Leeds city centre

Inside Ceylon Cafe in County Arcade in September 1906. This cafe originally opened in 1903. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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On the left is the railway viaduct, then 2 Cross York Street, a former lodging house. A faded wall sign has the name 'City Lodging House'. Single beds are advertised at 4d and 6d (approx 2p and 2.5p) per night. This indicates that beds would not be shared, which was a common practice. The corner shop premises were 46 Kirkgate, business of E. Jackson, scale maker. Pictured in September 1908.

11. Leeds city centre

On the left is the railway viaduct, then 2 Cross York Street, a former lodging house. A faded wall sign has the name 'City Lodging House'. Single beds are advertised at 4d and 6d (approx 2p and 2.5p) per night. This indicates that beds would not be shared, which was a common practice. The corner shop premises were 46 Kirkgate, business of E. Jackson, scale maker. Pictured in September 1908. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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The corner of Briggate and Duncan Street in February 1904. There are people in view, including a policeman, though the images are very blurred.

12. Leeds city centre

The corner of Briggate and Duncan Street in February 1904. There are people in view, including a policeman, though the images are very blurred. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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