Tram no. 172, on route no. 9 to Dewsbury Road, at the junction of Kirkgate with Call Lane. The Scotsman Hotel can be seen on the corner at no. 3 Call Lane, with Walker's drapers at 103 Kirkgate also visible.placeholder image
Tram no. 172, on route no. 9 to Dewsbury Road, at the junction of Kirkgate with Call Lane. The Scotsman Hotel can be seen on the corner at no. 3 Call Lane, with Walker's drapers at 103 Kirkgate also visible. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Memories of Leeds city centre and the tram

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 3rd Jan 2025, 11:00 GMT

You can almost hear trams trundling along the tracks in this homage to a loved and lost mode of transport.

1954 is the direction of travel for this wonderful collection of photos which provides a fascinating snapshot of life in Leeds city centre when trams dominated. The images showcase trams on much loved city centre routes from Briggate to Kirkgate as they make their way to the city’s suburbs. The images are a mix from the Tramway Museum Society and others published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. READ MORE: The story of the Leeds city centre character known as 'Woodbine Lizzie' LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

Tram No 516 on Kirkgate Outer Circle Curve.

7. Leeds city centre

Tram No 516 on Kirkgate Outer Circle Curve. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Tram No 6 on Route 16 to the New Inn. The tram is on Kirkgate at the side of Kirkgate Market and the camera is looking in the direction of Vicar Lane. Adverts for Mackeson's Stout and Tizer can be seen on the side and front of the tram.

8. Leeds city centre

Tram No 6 on Route 16 to the New Inn. The tram is on Kirkgate at the side of Kirkgate Market and the camera is looking in the direction of Vicar Lane. Adverts for Mackeson's Stout and Tizer can be seen on the side and front of the tram. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Tram no.232 on Bishopgate Street alongside the City Station. This tram, advertising Tetley's Brewery and travelling on route no.12 to Middleton, is a Horsfield built between 1930 and 1931

9. Leeds city centre

Tram no.232 on Bishopgate Street alongside the City Station. This tram, advertising Tetley's Brewery and travelling on route no.12 to Middleton, is a Horsfield built between 1930 and 1931 | Tramway Museum Society Photo: Tramway Museum Society

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Looking east along Boar Lane showing a line of trams including no.220 in front, a Horsfield built between 1930 and 1931, travelling on route 4 to Kirkstall Abbey. Pictured in May 1954.

10. Leeds city centre

Looking east along Boar Lane showing a line of trams including no.220 in front, a Horsfield built between 1930 and 1931, travelling on route 4 to Kirkstall Abbey. Pictured in May 1954. | Tramway Museum Society Photo: Tramway Museum Society

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Tram No 147 travelling along Briggate on route 15 Whingate in August 1954.

11. Leeds city centre

Tram No 147 travelling along Briggate on route 15 Whingate in August 1954. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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tram no 529 travelling along York Street on route 15 to Whingate. The Bus Station can be seen on the left. An advert for Vernons Pool's is visible on the side of tram. Pictured in September 1954.

12. Leeds city centre

tram no 529 travelling along York Street on route 15 to Whingate. The Bus Station can be seen on the left. An advert for Vernons Pool's is visible on the side of tram. Pictured in September 1954. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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