The new premises of Simms Motor Units Ltd. on the corner of Hunslet Lane (foreground) and South Brook Street, in the building that was once the Yorkshire Brass & Copper works. Features are Simms Clock and a Simms Magnetos works vehicle parked outside.placeholder image
The new premises of Simms Motor Units Ltd. on the corner of Hunslet Lane (foreground) and South Brook Street, in the building that was once the Yorkshire Brass & Copper works. Features are Simms Clock and a Simms Magnetos works vehicle parked outside. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

South Leeds retro: 12 photos of factories, shops and local landmarks in the 1930s

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 15th Nov 2026, 04:30 GMT

Hunslet in the 1930s: Memories from a decade of life around LS10

These wonderful photos showcase the best of life around Hunslet in the 1930s. They bring into focus factories, shops and local landmarks during the decade as well as the streets which generations of people called home back in the day. 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: Memories of lost Leeds pubs in Hunslet, Belle Isle, Middleton and Stourton LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

The Wesleyen Chapel on Waterloo Road.

7. Hunslet in the 1930s

The Wesleyen Chapel on Waterloo Road. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Wesleyen Chapel on Waterloo Road. Pictured in December 1938.

8. Hunslet in the 1930s

Wesleyen Chapel on Waterloo Road. Pictured in December 1938. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Inside the Wesleyen Chapel on Waterloo Road showing doorways, on the left and in the centre are electrical fuse-boxes and light switches.

9. Hunslet in the 1930s

Inside the Wesleyen Chapel on Waterloo Road showing doorways, on the left and in the centre are electrical fuse-boxes and light switches. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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The junction of Balm Road and Carr Terrace is Balm Road licensed stores. Over the door, sign states Henrietta Wright is the licensee. Large sign to side of shop says "There's no better beer than BYB", (Bentley's Yorkshire Beers). Pictured in September 1935.

10. Hunslet in the 1930s

The junction of Balm Road and Carr Terrace is Balm Road licensed stores. Over the door, sign states Henrietta Wright is the licensee. Large sign to side of shop says "There's no better beer than BYB", (Bentley's Yorkshire Beers). Pictured in September 1935. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Commercial premises on corner of Gasholder Street with Gasholder Road.

11. Hunslet in the 1930s

Commercial premises on corner of Gasholder Street with Gasholder Road. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Hathorn Davey and Co. Ltd., pumping engine makers, Sun Foundry. Showing three storey office building and single storey building attached. A car and bicycle are clearly seen outside the building.

12. Hunslet in the 1930s

Hathorn Davey and Co. Ltd., pumping engine makers, Sun Foundry. Showing three storey office building and single storey building attached. A car and bicycle are clearly seen outside the building. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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