30 intriguing photo showcase life around Leeds during the 1950s

By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 4th Sep 2024, 04:45 BST

These photos turn back the clock to showcase life around Leeds during the 1950s.

They turn on the spotlight on a decade which saw the city clear slums and build for the future. The images are a mix from the YEP archive and 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: 43 closed Leeds pubs which will stir fond memories for drinkers LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

Boar Lane in Leeds city centre showing shops; Elsters, J. Jones, The National Provincial Bank, the Westminster Bank and the Cooperative Building Society. Pictured in April 1951.

1. Leeds city centre

Boar Lane in Leeds city centre showing shops; Elsters, J. Jones, The National Provincial Bank, the Westminster Bank and the Cooperative Building Society. Pictured in April 1951. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Petrol station Appleyard of Leeds at Headingley Lane in July 1956. Banners advertising The Daily Express and The Daily Sketch are displayed on the wall in front of and to the side of the garage.

2. Headingley

Petrol station Appleyard of Leeds at Headingley Lane in July 1956. Banners advertising The Daily Express and The Daily Sketch are displayed on the wall in front of and to the side of the garage. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Blackman Lane in December 1953. In the gap between the buildings is Carlton Garage, with an Esso petrol pump. On the wall of the next building, a sign for Carlton Lodge Cafe, a transport cafe.

3. Woodhouse

Blackman Lane in December 1953. In the gap between the buildings is Carlton Garage, with an Esso petrol pump. On the wall of the next building, a sign for Carlton Lodge Cafe, a transport cafe. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Roundhay Road, on the corner of Badminton Place in September 1953. There is a General Grocer's shop, with adverts for Lyon's Tea, Mansion Polish, Radio Times and Colman's Mustard. There are two women to the left of the photo, one pushing a pram.

4. Sheepscar

Roundhay Road, on the corner of Badminton Place in September 1953. There is a General Grocer's shop, with adverts for Lyon's Tea, Mansion Polish, Radio Times and Colman's Mustard. There are two women to the left of the photo, one pushing a pram. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

The Rectory pictured in April 1950. A view of the pond with ducks in, surrounded by grass land near the stone stable block in the rectory grounds. A tree lined path leads to the back of the rectory itself to the left.

5. Adel

The Rectory pictured in April 1950. A view of the pond with ducks in, surrounded by grass land near the stone stable block in the rectory grounds. A tree lined path leads to the back of the rectory itself to the left. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Austhorpe Hall from muddy road across a field towards the house. The left hand side of the road was shortly to be developed into a row of semi-detached houses. Pictured in January 1950.

6. Cross Gates

Austhorpe Hall from muddy road across a field towards the house. The left hand side of the road was shortly to be developed into a row of semi-detached houses. Pictured in January 1950. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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