The photo was taken at Meanwood Park Hospital, often referred to as Meanwood Colony, for the mentally handicapped. It was housed in the former Meanwood Hall and expanded to include ’villas’ in the grounds by 1941 to accommodate a growing number of patients, eventually closing later in the 20th century. This photo was taken in the autumn of 1948 and is one of 11 photos showcasing life around Meanwood during the decade. The images are a mix from the YEP archive and others 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: 21 magnificent memories take you back to Meanwood in the 1990s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
1. Meanwood in the 1940s
An autumn scene at Meanwood Colony in November 1948. | YPN Photo: YPN
2. Meanwood in the 1940s
Shops on Stonegate Road in November 1942. They are; number 8, Benefit Footwear Ltd.; number 4, J.Ellis & Co., boot repairs; number 2a, Leeds Drug Co. Ltd.; number 2, Vennard's confectioners and Meanwood Post Office, where two people can be seen looking in the window. A post box is on the corner, with Authorpe Road and Hopkinson's grocers behind. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Meanwood in the 1940s
Bridge number 78 over Meanwood Beck pictured in June 1948. The concrete footbridge crosses the beck as it flows through a stone channel between Highbury Cricket Club's pitch on the right, and Meanwood Park on the left (over the stone wall). A sign advertising a match between Highbury Works C.C. and Calverley is visible. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Meanwood in the 1940s
A view from Stonegate Road across fields towards a church and Church Road in November 1949. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Meanwood in the 1940s
The east end of Potternewton Lane pictured in November 1949. Row of houses with a man standing in a doorway. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Meanwood in the 1940s
The east end of Potternewton Lane. Row of houses, one with washing hanging outside. Pictured in November 1949. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net