Looking south-west along Eastgate towards the Eastgate roundabout on the left, with the continuation of Eastgate into the city centre leading off the right between the two identical-ended buildings. The Yorkshire Hussar public house is the left-hand of these two buildings, with Millgarth police station to the left of this. Lower down on the far left is the edge of Quarry Hill Flats. Pictured in November 1966.placeholder image
Looking south-west along Eastgate towards the Eastgate roundabout on the left, with the continuation of Eastgate into the city centre leading off the right between the two identical-ended buildings. The Yorkshire Hussar public house is the left-hand of these two buildings, with Millgarth police station to the left of this. Lower down on the far left is the edge of Quarry Hill Flats. Pictured in November 1966. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Leeds city centre: 29 of the best photos take you back to 1966

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 16th Jun 2024, 04:45 GMT

These thought-provoking photos chart a year to remember in the life of Leeds city centre.

1966 was the year Leeds and beyond enjoyed a bout of football fever as England triumphed against Germany at Wembley to win the World Cup. These photos chart the 12 months in the life of the city centre and bring into focus landmarks, news events, new openings, pubs, hotels and shops. The images are a mix from the YEP archive, West Yorkshire Archive Service and others published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. 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

The ceremony of the conferment of the freedom of the city of Leeds on two men, Lord Miller and Sir George Martin, presided over by the Lord Mayor, Ald. J.S. Walsh. Both men were awarded the position of Honorary Freemen in appreciation of their long distinguished public service. Pictured in October 1966.

19. Leeds city centre in 1966

The ceremony of the conferment of the freedom of the city of Leeds on two men, Lord Miller and Sir George Martin, presided over by the Lord Mayor, Ald. J.S. Walsh. Both men were awarded the position of Honorary Freemen in appreciation of their long distinguished public service. Pictured in October 1966. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A view looking along Woodhouse Lane from The Headrow in . January 1966. Lewis's department store is on the right . This building was sold to Allders in 1996. A no entry buses only scheme can be seen operating. This area has now been redeveloped as the pedestrian only Dortmund Square.

20. Leeds city centre in 1966

A view looking along Woodhouse Lane from The Headrow in . January 1966. Lewis's department store is on the right . This building was sold to Allders in 1996. A no entry buses only scheme can be seen operating. This area has now been redeveloped as the pedestrian only Dortmund Square. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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Warehouse of W Matthewman and co Ltd, on Call Lane on fire in March 1966. The warehouse, built for the Aire and Calder Canal Company in 1827, was gutted. Wool tops, bales of raw wool and bales of hide were also destroyed.

21. Leeds city centre in 1966

Warehouse of W Matthewman and co Ltd, on Call Lane on fire in March 1966. The warehouse, built for the Aire and Calder Canal Company in 1827, was gutted. Wool tops, bales of raw wool and bales of hide were also destroyed. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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February 1966 and workers building the new Royal Exchange House celebrate the completion of a phase of the building which opened that year. This building in City Square has now been converted to the Park Plaza Hotel.

22. Leeds city centre in 1966

February 1966 and workers building the new Royal Exchange House celebrate the completion of a phase of the building which opened that year. This building in City Square has now been converted to the Park Plaza Hotel. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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The presentation of prizes at the Leeds International Pianoforte Competition at the Town Hall in October 1966. This was the second time that the triennial competition had been held, having started in 1963. The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Alderman J.S. Walsh, is among those present.

23. Leeds city centre in 1966

The presentation of prizes at the Leeds International Pianoforte Competition at the Town Hall in October 1966. This was the second time that the triennial competition had been held, having started in 1963. The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Alderman J.S. Walsh, is among those present. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A large crowd of people including civic leaders, ex-servicemen and military units surround the war memorial in the Garden of Rest during a Remembrance Day Service in November 1966.

24. Leeds city centre in 1966

A large crowd of people including civic leaders, ex-servicemen and military units surround the war memorial in the Garden of Rest during a Remembrance Day Service in November 1966. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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