The Crown and Anchor pub on North Street in 1901. The landlord was William Francis Allanson. It served Tetley's Fine Ales. Also advertised are good stabling and accommodation for cyclists. Three ornamental lamps light the building. To the left is the Victoria Inn, serving Bentley's Beer, the sign can be seen on a portion of the gable end wall, landlord N.Hutchinson. 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.placeholder image
The Crown and Anchor pub on North Street in 1901. The landlord was William Francis Allanson. It served Tetley's Fine Ales. Also advertised are good stabling and accommodation for cyclists. Three ornamental lamps light the building. To the left is the Victoria Inn, serving Bentley's Beer, the sign can be seen on a portion of the gable end wall, landlord N.Hutchinson. 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

Leylands: Evocative photos showcase impoverished corner of Leeds

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 11th Mar 2025, 04:45 GMT

It was an impoverished corner of Leeds you found north of the city centre and west of Mabgate.

Leylands was an area of densely packed poor quality housing for workers most built before 1847. They worked in the nearby foundries and mills which sprang up in the 19th century. The area was described in 1889 as "a dank district in that uninviting city". This gallery charts a decade in the life of the Leylands in the first 10 years of the 1900s. 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: Fantastic photos show life in Leeds during the 1910s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

A view past the new Shul looking towards clothing factory on Brunswick Row, which fronted onto North Street. The Leylands area had a high concentration of Jewish immigrants living there. This synagogue was erected to provide for the needs of the community. It was the Beth Hamedrash Hagodel Synagogue. Pictured in April 1908.

7. Leylands in the 1900s

A view past the new Shul looking towards clothing factory on Brunswick Row, which fronted onto North Street. The Leylands area had a high concentration of Jewish immigrants living there. This synagogue was erected to provide for the needs of the community. It was the Beth Hamedrash Hagodel Synagogue. Pictured in April 1908. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Taken in April 1909 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.

8. Leylands in the 1900s

Taken in April 1909 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

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November 1908 and Copenhagen Street was partly demolished to build New York Road, between North Street and Regent Street. This view shows a section of cleared land and property to be pulled down. A workman is on the roof, holding measuring rod.

9. Leylands in the 1900s

November 1908 and Copenhagen Street was partly demolished to build New York Road, between North Street and Regent Street. This view shows a section of cleared land and property to be pulled down. A workman is on the roof, holding measuring rod. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Construction of New York Road between North Street and Regent Street, along the line of Hope Street in September 1909. Old property had been demolished for road improvements. View of a cellar under the new road. Workman in cellar, a board over his head gives details.

10. Leylands in the 1900s

Construction of New York Road between North Street and Regent Street, along the line of Hope Street in September 1909. Old property had been demolished for road improvements. View of a cellar under the new road. Workman in cellar, a board over his head gives details. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Commencement of work in June 1906 to clear site for the Beth Hamedrash Hagodol synagogue, to replace premises on Hope Street. This view is of the junction with Bridge Street. Surveyors and workmen are measuring the existing building prior to demolition. One workman is on the roof, groups of children are watching. On the right Gower Street school can be seen.

11. Leylands in the 1900s

Commencement of work in June 1906 to clear site for the Beth Hamedrash Hagodol synagogue, to replace premises on Hope Street. This view is of the junction with Bridge Street. Surveyors and workmen are measuring the existing building prior to demolition. One workman is on the roof, groups of children are watching. On the right Gower Street school can be seen. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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August 1909 and pictured is construction of York Road between North Street and Regent Street, following the line of Hope Street. Looking at building site. On right, horse at entrance to the Hope Brewery, owned by Leeds and Wakefield Breweries Ltd (Melbourne Breweries). Interior wall of yard has glazed brick work.

12. Leylands in the 1900s

August 1909 and pictured is construction of York Road between North Street and Regent Street, following the line of Hope Street. Looking at building site. On right, horse at entrance to the Hope Brewery, owned by Leeds and Wakefield Breweries Ltd (Melbourne Breweries). Interior wall of yard has glazed brick work. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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