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

Looking east along Commercial Street in April 1951.

13. Leeds city centre

Looking east along Commercial Street in April 1951. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
King Street in November 1951. This view shows north west side of numbers 5 and 7 King Street. Number 5, empty but was previously Jowett and Sowry stationers. Number 7 double fronted shop Tapps (Tapp and Toothill) shop fitters and office stationers. Back York Place is on the left.

14. Leeds city centre

King Street in November 1951. This view shows north west side of numbers 5 and 7 King Street. Number 5, empty but was previously Jowett and Sowry stationers. Number 7 double fronted shop Tapps (Tapp and Toothill) shop fitters and office stationers. Back York Place is on the left. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
A view looking west along Kirkgate from Vicar Lane/New Market Street in April 1951 .

15. Leeds city centre

A view looking west along Kirkgate from Vicar Lane/New Market Street in April 1951 . | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
The Dark Arches on Neville Street in January 1951 . Bridge has steel girders and a concrete road running over River Aire.

16. Leeds city centre

The Dark Arches on Neville Street in January 1951 . Bridge has steel girders and a concrete road running over River Aire. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
The Royal Exchange Building on the east side of Park Row next to Boar Lane. Shops visible left to right are Albert Cowling wine lodge, Melindon fabric specialists, above which is Cosmetique Ltd. ladies hairdressers. Pictured in December 1951.

17. Leeds city centre

The Royal Exchange Building on the east side of Park Row next to Boar Lane. Shops visible left to right are Albert Cowling wine lodge, Melindon fabric specialists, above which is Cosmetique Ltd. ladies hairdressers. Pictured in December 1951. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
The south west side of The Headrow, at the junction with Albion Street in May 1951. Premises shown are; (on Albion Street), The Liverpool Victoria Insurance Co.; The Chocolate Box, confectioners; W.E Edgerton, pastry cook; Carl & Co., gowns. On the right (on The Headrow) are; The Leeds & Holbeck Building Society; G. Eastwood, tobacconist and Martins Ltd., dyers and cleaners.

18. Leeds city centre

The south west side of The Headrow, at the junction with Albion Street in May 1951. Premises shown are; (on Albion Street), The Liverpool Victoria Insurance Co.; The Chocolate Box, confectioners; W.E Edgerton, pastry cook; Carl & Co., gowns. On the right (on The Headrow) are; The Leeds & Holbeck Building Society; G. Eastwood, tobacconist and Martins Ltd., dyers and cleaners. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
Previous
3 / 3
Next Page
Related topics:Leeds
Celebrating 135 years of telling Leeds' stories
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice