It was an area of Leeds city centre - from Fish Street leading into Kirkgate - which was home to butchers' shops and soon after this photo was taken would be demolished to be replaced by the Wholesale Meat Market and Abattoir built by Leeds Corporation. This was Leeds in 1899 and the image is one of 12 which provide an fascinating insight into life around the city during the year. It was a 12 months which saw the relaying of tram tracks in the city centre and beyond. This wonderful collection of photos is 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? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
1. Leeds city centre
The Shambles, looking from Fish Street leading into Kirkgate. This photo was taken just prior to its demolition; it was to become the site of King Edward Street, Queen Victoria Street and the Cross Arcade. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
2. Leeds city centre
The junction of Briggate and Boar Lane during the relaying of tram tracks in September 1899. The tracks were made at Hunslet Steel Works and laid out in a network. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Kirkstall Road
A Leeds City Tramway's Overhead Wire Trolley outside the Kirkstall Road Tram Depot. Also known as a tower wagon or derrick, it was used to carry out repairs to overhead wiring. Pictured in July 1899. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Leeds city centre
The headquarters of the Yorkshire Banking Company on the corner of Boar Lane and Bishopgate pictured in November 1899. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Leeds city centre
Inside the headquarters of the Yorkshire Banking Company shortly after its opening in June 1899. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Leeds city centre
Bishopgate Street taken during improvement works in June 1899. A partially demolished building is seen on the right; this was formerly the premises of Hepton Bros., mantle manufacturers. In the foreground, a horse-drawn cart bearing the name D. Milton of Sweet Street West, Holbeck, is loaded with wooden planks. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net