Park Square on a summer's day in August 1951 where a woman and several children are relaxing, towards the south-west corner. Two curly-haired babies share a pram. The view is across the grassed central area to Park Square North, crossing the background from the left, and Park Square East, right edge.placeholder image
Park Square on a summer's day in August 1951 where a woman and several children are relaxing, towards the south-west corner. Two curly-haired babies share a pram. The view is across the grassed central area to Park Square North, crossing the background from the left, and Park Square East, right edge. | YPN

Charming photos take you back to Leeds city centre in the early 1950s

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 6th Jun 2025, 04:45 GMT

These charming photos chart a year in the life of Leeds city centre in the early 1950s.

1951 is the focus of this trip down memory lane with a range of landmarks, street scenes and trams all under the spotlight. Memories of The Headrow, Kirkgate, Albion Street, Boar Lane, Commercial Street and Park Place are all featured in this wonderful gallery. The images are a mix from the YEP archive, Tramway Museum Society and others published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. READ MORE: How a Leeds city centre landmark transformed into a beacon of creativity LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

Two trams are pictured on North Street beside the Public Dispensary in September 1951. Nearest the camera is no.282, on route 6 to Meanwood; the other is bound for Moortown. Tram 282 is a 'Pilcher' which was bought from Manchester in 1946-48, having originally been built between 1925 and 1931.

7. Leeds city centre

Two trams are pictured on North Street beside the Public Dispensary in September 1951. Nearest the camera is no.282, on route 6 to Meanwood; the other is bound for Moortown. Tram 282 is a 'Pilcher' which was bought from Manchester in 1946-48, having originally been built between 1925 and 1931. | Tramway Museum Society Photo: Tramway Museum Society

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This photo from July 1951 shows ex-London Feltham tram no.530 on York Street beside the bus station, with the meat market in the background on the left. The tram, bound for Crossgates on route 18, has an advert for Hall's Wine on the side. A bus is seen in the bus station on the right.

8. Leeds city centre

This photo from July 1951 shows ex-London Feltham tram no.530 on York Street beside the bus station, with the meat market in the background on the left. The tram, bound for Crossgates on route 18, has an advert for Hall's Wine on the side. A bus is seen in the bus station on the right. | Tramway Museum Society Photo: Tramway Museum Society

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Tram no.241 travelling along North Street on route 8 to Elland Road, via Meadow Lane in September 1951. On the left is the Public Dispensary that was opened in 1904 to provide free medical assistance to the needy in the days before the NHS. Tram 241, a Horsfield built between 1930 and 1931, is showing adverts for Parkinson's Biscuits and Melbourne Ales.

9. Leeds city centre

Tram no.241 travelling along North Street on route 8 to Elland Road, via Meadow Lane in September 1951. On the left is the Public Dispensary that was opened in 1904 to provide free medical assistance to the needy in the days before the NHS. Tram 241, a Horsfield built between 1930 and 1931, is showing adverts for Parkinson's Biscuits and Melbourne Ales. | Tramway Museum Society Photo: Tramway Museum Society

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Looking north along Albion Street in April 1951, showing the following premises; number 97, Linsley Bros., gun makers (with A. Conway, solicitors, above); number 99, The Economic Leagues' offices; number 101 is the empty Lynn Models Ltd, which has a cross painted through it. Number 103 is James Charles Son & Carter, estate agents; Number 105 is The Leeds & Holbeck Building Society, at the junction with The Headrow.

10. Leeds city centre

Looking north along Albion Street in April 1951, showing the following premises; number 97, Linsley Bros., gun makers (with A. Conway, solicitors, above); number 99, The Economic Leagues' offices; number 101 is the empty Lynn Models Ltd, which has a cross painted through it. Number 103 is James Charles Son & Carter, estate agents; Number 105 is The Leeds & Holbeck Building Society, at the junction with The Headrow. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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This photo from June 1951 shows the front view of the Black Bull Hotel on number 91 Hunslet Road. The hotel is a Magnet and John Smiths brewery and has it written on the front of the building. The Prudential Assurance Co. Ltd, is visible on the right hand side of the photo.

11. Leeds city centre

This photo from June 1951 shows the front view of the Black Bull Hotel on number 91 Hunslet Road. The hotel is a Magnet and John Smiths brewery and has it written on the front of the building. The Prudential Assurance Co. Ltd, is visible on the right hand side of the photo. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Looking west along Boar Lane towards the city centre in April 1951. Both sides of Boar Lane are filled with people and business premises. The Griffin hotel and Jacomellis restuarant opposite are clearly seen.

12. Leeds city centre

Looking west along Boar Lane towards the city centre in April 1951. Both sides of Boar Lane are filled with people and business premises. The Griffin hotel and Jacomellis restuarant opposite are clearly seen. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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