The Headrow at the junction with New Briggate, showing Lewis's department store on the left, possibly at the time of its opening on September 17, 1932 as the streets are lined with people and flags decorate the top of the store. On the right is the Paramount Cinema, later The Odeon, with films starring Claudette Colbert and Miriam Hopkins the main attraction.The Headrow at the junction with New Briggate, showing Lewis's department store on the left, possibly at the time of its opening on September 17, 1932 as the streets are lined with people and flags decorate the top of the store. On the right is the Paramount Cinema, later The Odeon, with films starring Claudette Colbert and Miriam Hopkins the main attraction.
The Headrow at the junction with New Briggate, showing Lewis's department store on the left, possibly at the time of its opening on September 17, 1932 as the streets are lined with people and flags decorate the top of the store. On the right is the Paramount Cinema, later The Odeon, with films starring Claudette Colbert and Miriam Hopkins the main attraction.

Leeds city centre memories: Photo gems take you down The Headrow in the 1930s

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson
Published 24th Mar 2024, 04:45 BST

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It was the decade a city centre street we all know and love underwent major development.

The Headrow was widened in the early 1930s before it became home to one of the largest department stores to be built in the North of England. Lewis's opened in 1932 and would welcome shoppers for decades. This collection of photos showcases the changing face of The Headrow during the decade and showcases the shops and pubs which made it a port of call for generations of people. 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: 43 closed Leeds pubs which will stir fond memories for drinkers LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP NEWSLETTERS: Sign up for free news and sport emails

Number 58 shop for Leeds Blind Institute selling goods made by Leeds workshops for Blind. Numbers 54/56 Wireless Instruments Leeds Ltd, Wireless dealers. Pictured in September 1937.

7. The Headrow in the 1930s

Number 58 shop for Leeds Blind Institute selling goods made by Leeds workshops for Blind. Numbers 54/56 Wireless Instruments Leeds Ltd, Wireless dealers. Pictured in September 1937. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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The head office of Leeds Permanent Building Society pictured in April 1931. It had opened the previous year on May 15, 1930. The arched entrance was to Cross Fountain Street. The Society was founded in 1846. By the time of its 10th birthday, the Society had 3,500 members and was proudly proclaiming itself to be the largest building society in the world.

8. The Headrow in the 1930s

The head office of Leeds Permanent Building Society pictured in April 1931. It had opened the previous year on May 15, 1930. The arched entrance was to Cross Fountain Street. The Society was founded in 1846. By the time of its 10th birthday, the Society had 3,500 members and was proudly proclaiming itself to be the largest building society in the world. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Wireless Instruments (Leeds) Ltd shop, with wireless sets displayed in the windows. Sticker in the window states 'Largest range of 1938 models outside Radiolympia'. Pictured in September 1937.

9. The Headrow in rhe 1930s

Wireless Instruments (Leeds) Ltd shop, with wireless sets displayed in the windows. Sticker in the window states 'Largest range of 1938 models outside Radiolympia'. Pictured in September 1937. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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The Headrow at the junction with Briggate looking West to the Town Hall in the background pictured in 1933. At this time a scheme to redevelop and widen The Headrow had just been completed. The new Lewis's store is on the right. Work began on site in 1930 and the store, designed by Atkinson and Shaw, opened on 17th September 1932. Further floors were added before it was fully completed in 1938.

10. The Headrow in the 1930s

The Headrow at the junction with Briggate looking West to the Town Hall in the background pictured in 1933. At this time a scheme to redevelop and widen The Headrow had just been completed. The new Lewis's store is on the right. Work began on site in 1930 and the store, designed by Atkinson and Shaw, opened on 17th September 1932. Further floors were added before it was fully completed in 1938. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Looking across junction with New Briggate, Odeon Cinema on right. Lewis's store, then one of the largest to be built in the North of England. Work began in 1930, it was opened in September 1932 but was not completed until 1939, when three more floors had been added. On front of store is an appeal for funds for Leeds General Infirmary. Leeds Town Hall can be seen on the left. Pictured in July 1934.

11. The Headrow in the 1930s

Looking across junction with New Briggate, Odeon Cinema on right. Lewis's store, then one of the largest to be built in the North of England. Work began in 1930, it was opened in September 1932 but was not completed until 1939, when three more floors had been added. On front of store is an appeal for funds for Leeds General Infirmary. Leeds Town Hall can be seen on the left. Pictured in July 1934. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
Number 58 shop for Leeds Blind Institute selling goods made by Leeds workshops for Blind. Numbers 54/56 Wireless Instruments Leeds Ltd, Wireless dealers. Pictured in September 1937.

12. The Headrow in rhe 1930s

Number 58 shop for Leeds Blind Institute selling goods made by Leeds workshops for Blind. Numbers 54/56 Wireless Instruments Leeds Ltd, Wireless dealers. Pictured in September 1937. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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