Leeds city centre: Memories from a year in the life of 1930s Briggate

By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 11th Apr 2025, 04:45 GMT

Walk down Briggate as these photos showcase a year in the life of the well-loved landmark at the back end of the 1930s.

You can almost hear the hustle and bustle of shoppers and traders on the city centre thoroughfare in these photos which rewind to 1937. 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: Unseen photos chart of a golden age of Leeds pub culture LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

The Kardomah Cafe in July 1937.

1. Briggate in 1937

The Kardomah Cafe in July 1937. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

September 1937 and this photo shows improvement works to The County Arcade, Smith Brothers, Queen Victoria Street area. Premises shown, from left, are J Lyon's cafe; The County Arcade; Smith Brothers, drapers; Queen Victoria Street and J.L. White, clothier.

2. Briggate in 1937

September 1937 and this photo shows improvement works to The County Arcade, Smith Brothers, Queen Victoria Street area. Premises shown, from left, are J Lyon's cafe; The County Arcade; Smith Brothers, drapers; Queen Victoria Street and J.L. White, clothier. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Improvement works to The County Arcade, Smith Brothers, Smith Brothers was a large premises and in the photo, it is shown with scaffolding and hoardings surrounding it. The illuminating 'Smith Brothers' sign is visible on the corner of the building where Queen Victoria Street starts.

3. Briggate in 1937

Improvement works to The County Arcade, Smith Brothers, Smith Brothers was a large premises and in the photo, it is shown with scaffolding and hoardings surrounding it. The illuminating 'Smith Brothers' sign is visible on the corner of the building where Queen Victoria Street starts. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Fred Groves, tobacconist shop has various signs and advertisements in view. Pictured in September 1937.

4. Briggate in 1937

Fred Groves, tobacconist shop has various signs and advertisements in view. Pictured in September 1937. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

The Queens Arcade, built on the site of the Rose and Crown Hotel, in November 1937. In view is J.W. Foster, drapers, who are advertising a ten day sale. Also The British Shoe Company and Marks and Spencer, bazaar (before the move to its present site).

5. Briggate in 1937

The Queens Arcade, built on the site of the Rose and Crown Hotel, in November 1937. In view is J.W. Foster, drapers, who are advertising a ten day sale. Also The British Shoe Company and Marks and Spencer, bazaar (before the move to its present site). | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

July 1937 and in view is Kardomah Cafe, exhibiton tea-rooms; The Angel Inn Yard and The new Philip's Furnishing Co. premises on the site of The Old Bon Anarche Chambers.

6. Briggate in 1937

July 1937 and in view is Kardomah Cafe, exhibiton tea-rooms; The Angel Inn Yard and The new Philip's Furnishing Co. premises on the site of The Old Bon Anarche Chambers. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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