Leeds retro: Nostalgic photos capture corner shops and the streets of Burley in the 1950s

By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 3rd Nov 2026, 04:30 GMT

Burley in the 1950s: Cross Greystone Street, Poplar Street, Thornton Street, Palmerston Street and Mountains Yard in focus

Corner shops and streets filled with row upon row of terraced houses take centre stage in this gallery of memories. They turn the spotlight on Burley in the 1950s and showcase a community at work, rest and play. The images are published courtesy of West Yorkshire Archive Service, which collects and looks after the unique documentary heritage of the region dating from the 12th century to the present day - more than 800 years of local history. It also runs Catablogue, an online blog dedicated to preserving the past, serving the present and protecting the future. READ MORE: Memories of lost Leeds pubs in Burley and Kirkstall LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

Cross Greystone Street is on the left. The beginning of Metcalf Street can be seen. The shop on the right edge is 206 Kirkstall Road.

1. Burley in the 1950s

Cross Greystone Street is on the left. The beginning of Metcalf Street can be seen. The shop on the right edge is 206 Kirkstall Road. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

Poplar Street is on the left, number 16 is next to the wall which is the boundary for Bell's Square. Moving right are 14 then 12. The shop and adjacent house are 36/38 Metcalf Street. It is a grocers and off-licence store selling Tetley beers.

2. Burley in the 1950s

Poplar Street is on the left, number 16 is next to the wall which is the boundary for Bell's Square. Moving right are 14 then 12. The shop and adjacent house are 36/38 Metcalf Street. It is a grocers and off-licence store selling Tetley beers. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

Number 15 Thornton Street has a ladder propped against the wall. Moving right are numbers 17, 19 and 21, which is next to the yard on the right. Pictured in December 1959.

3. Burley in the 1950s

Number 15 Thornton Street has a ladder propped against the wall. Moving right are numbers 17, 19 and 21, which is next to the yard on the right. Pictured in December 1959. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

Part of Metcalf Street in view, number 17 is on the left, numbers follow to the right in sequence, ending with 23.

4. Burley in the 1950s

Part of Metcalf Street in view, number 17 is on the left, numbers follow to the right in sequence, ending with 23. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Located off Metcalf Street, three houses on Metcalf Terrace. Number 5 is at the far end of the row, 3 in the centre has a pram outside, 1 is on the right. On the left is number 16 Cross Eldon Place, the corner of Greystone Street can be seen, then Cross Eldon Place continues. It ended at Wordsworth Street, which is not in view.

5. Burley in the 1950s

Located off Metcalf Street, three houses on Metcalf Terrace. Number 5 is at the far end of the row, 3 in the centre has a pram outside, 1 is on the right. On the left is number 16 Cross Eldon Place, the corner of Greystone Street can be seen, then Cross Eldon Place continues. It ended at Wordsworth Street, which is not in view. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

Metcalf Street, looking to the corner with Poplar Street, seen here on the right. Number 41 Metcalf Street is on the left, moving right, numbers follow in sequence to 47 at the corner. Pictured in December 1959.

6. Burley in the 1950s

Metcalf Street, looking to the corner with Poplar Street, seen here on the right. Number 41 Metcalf Street is on the left, moving right, numbers follow in sequence to 47 at the corner. Pictured in December 1959. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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