These fascinating photos showcase life around Leeds’s Jewish quarter in the early 1900s. They take you back to Leylands in the first ten years of a new century and bring into focus the streets and landmarks which thousands of Jewish immigrants called home. They included Back Nile Street Synagogue which was put up to provide for the needs of the community. It was the Beth Hamedrash Hagodel Synagogue. The photos 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: Evocative photos showcase impoverished corner of Leeds LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
1. Leylands in the 1900s
Taken prior to the Hope Street improvements looking north up Bridge Street, showing retail premises in this predominantly Jewish quarter. Shops visible are: Morris Hyman, tailors trimmings: Max Philips, confectioner: Ralph Levi, bookseller. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
2. Leylands in the 1900s
The Crown and Anchor pub on North Street in 1901. To the left is the Victoria Inn. To the right, lower premises are dining rooms, business of Mrs Charlotte Ann Dawson. On the right edge is a barbers shop, run by William Williams. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Leylands in the 1900s
Demolition work in progress on Back Nile Street in September 1907, one storey houses are having roofs removed. Workmen and tools can be seen. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Leylands in the 1900s
Demolition of derelict site in Moscow Street and Hope Street showing a trench supported by wooden planks. A man in a bowler hat and overcoat is standing the trench. Pictured in December 1907. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Leylands in the 1900s
Construction of York Road between North Street and Regent Street, following the line of Hope Street. Road works, with line for transporting goods vehicles. Building on left, Hope Brewery, owned by Leeds and Wakefield Breweries (Melbourne Breweries). Pictured in November 1909. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Leylands in the 1900s
Construction of York Road between North Street and Regent Street, following the line of Hope Street in October 1909. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net