Looking south-east along Hunslet Road showing the police station at no. 96 in the centre. Hunslet Road runs to the left of the police station and continues on past the Crown Point Printing Works of Alf Cooke then St. Jude's Church in the background. Crown Point Street is to the right of the police station, becoming Butterley Street after the junction with Hunslet Lane. Pictured in May 1908.placeholder image
Looking south-east along Hunslet Road showing the police station at no. 96 in the centre. Hunslet Road runs to the left of the police station and continues on past the Crown Point Printing Works of Alf Cooke then St. Jude's Church in the background. Crown Point Street is to the right of the police station, becoming Butterley Street after the junction with Hunslet Lane. Pictured in May 1908. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Leeds in 1908: Evocative photos capture life in the Edwardian era

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 7th Feb 2025, 04:45 GMT

These wonderful photos capture a year in the life of Edwardian Leeds.

They turn the spotlight on 1908 and showcase how Leeds was a city of haves and have nots. Areas were classed as unhealthy, where poor sanitation contributed to many diseases. This collection of 15 photos reflect life in the city centre as well as the suburbs with Kirkstall, Hunslet, Leylands, Wortley and Quarry Hill all in focus. 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: The story of a quirky Leeds pub LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

Kirkstall Bridge and Bridge Road, looking towards the junction with Commercial Road/Abbey Road. The Bridge public house can be seen. This was prior to the bridge being rebuilt in 1911/12

13. Kirkstall

Kirkstall Bridge and Bridge Road, looking towards the junction with Commercial Road/Abbey Road. The Bridge public house can be seen. This was prior to the bridge being rebuilt in 1911/12 | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Lemon Street in March 1908. This was an area classed as unhealthy, where poor sanitation contributed to many diseases. This view shows houses of varying sizes and a shop, number 44 Lemon Street, Mrs Ellen Varley, greengrocer. The junction to the right is with Prospect Row. On the left, junction with Winteringhams Yard.

14. Quarry Hill

Lemon Street in March 1908. This was an area classed as unhealthy, where poor sanitation contributed to many diseases. This view shows houses of varying sizes and a shop, number 44 Lemon Street, Mrs Ellen Varley, greengrocer. The junction to the right is with Prospect Row. On the left, junction with Winteringhams Yard. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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May 1908 and the police station on junction of Meadow Lane with Great Wilson Street. Police station opened in 1907 to replace Hunslet Road and used as b Divisional headquarters until replaced by Dewsbury Road in 1958. The dogs home was incorporated into the building which was demolished in 1964.

15. Holbeck

May 1908 and the police station on junction of Meadow Lane with Great Wilson Street. Police station opened in 1907 to replace Hunslet Road and used as b Divisional headquarters until replaced by Dewsbury Road in 1958. The dogs home was incorporated into the building which was demolished in 1964. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Scene of a trap accident, work is being carried out around tramlines on the road surface. On the left, workmen stand outside hut, with a fire in metal container, known as a brazier. Leeds Corporation Gasworks is the large brick building. Pictured in January 1908.

16. Wortley

Scene of a trap accident, work is being carried out around tramlines on the road surface. On the left, workmen stand outside hut, with a fire in metal container, known as a brazier. Leeds Corporation Gasworks is the large brick building. Pictured in January 1908. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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