A train to Scarborough, full of holidaymakers, collided with a diesel engine and was derailed on Lower Briggate rail bridge in August 1961. One man was killed and three other people injured. A policeman stands in front of the wreckage.placeholder image
A train to Scarborough, full of holidaymakers, collided with a diesel engine and was derailed on Lower Briggate rail bridge in August 1961. One man was killed and three other people injured. A policeman stands in front of the wreckage. | West Yorkshire Archive Service

15 of the best photos take you back to Leeds in 1961

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 5th Jul 2024, 04:45 GMT

It was a year which proved to be one of tragedy and triumph.

1961 will be remembered by many as a 12 months which one news story dominated the headlines - the derailment of a train in the city centre which claimed the life of a man and left three others injured. The photo is one of 15 charting the year in the life of Leeds and its residents. The focus moves away from the city centre with memories from others suburbs including Hunslet, Burley and Seacroft also featured. 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: 43 closed Leeds pubs which will stir fond memories for drinkers LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

A train heading for Scarborough detailed on Lower Briggate rail bridge after colliding with a diesel enngine. Pictured are workers taking a break during the clear-up operation. The train can be seen over the top of the bridge

7. Leeds city centre

A train heading for Scarborough detailed on Lower Briggate rail bridge after colliding with a diesel enngine. Pictured are workers taking a break during the clear-up operation. The train can be seen over the top of the bridge | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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An 1891 model of the Samson Steam fire engine, which had 60 years of operational life, was brought into action again at Leeds Eastern Fire Station. The machine, which was formerly kept at Harewood House and later at Goldsborough Hall, was acquired by Leeds Fire Brigade.

8. Kirkstall

An 1891 model of the Samson Steam fire engine, which had 60 years of operational life, was brought into action again at Leeds Eastern Fire Station. The machine, which was formerly kept at Harewood House and later at Goldsborough Hall, was acquired by Leeds Fire Brigade. | YPN Photo: YPN

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Councillor Mrs. May Sexton chats with two boys among houses in Apsley Street in August 1961.

9. Burley

Councillor Mrs. May Sexton chats with two boys among houses in Apsley Street in August 1961. | YPN Photo: YPN

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YEP photographer Herbert Dewhirst pictured in August 1961.

10. Leeds city centre

YEP photographer Herbert Dewhirst pictured in August 1961. | YPN Photo: YPN

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Princess Lala Fatima Zahara and Prince el Hassan Ben al Medhi the Ambassador for Morocco, arrive for the international gala performance of "Triple Bill" at the Grand Theatre in October 1961.

11. Leeds city centre

Princess Lala Fatima Zahara and Prince el Hassan Ben al Medhi the Ambassador for Morocco, arrive for the international gala performance of "Triple Bill" at the Grand Theatre in October 1961. | YPN Photo: YPN

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Tbis photo captures a cricket match in progress on The Green,

12. Seacroft

Tbis photo captures a cricket match in progress on The Green, | YPN Photo: YPN

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