A view looking south-east along Queen Street in March 1982 showing the junction with Wesley Street on the right. Just visible on the far right is the Leeds Permanent Building Society, then after the junction is Bakers department store. This was built in 1968-69 as a Tesco supermarket after the Central Methodist Church Sunday School which formerly occupied the site was demolished in 1975. To the left of Bakers is the Leeds and Holbeck Building Society.placeholder image
A view looking south-east along Queen Street in March 1982 showing the junction with Wesley Street on the right. Just visible on the far right is the Leeds Permanent Building Society, then after the junction is Bakers department store. This was built in 1968-69 as a Tesco supermarket after the Central Methodist Church Sunday School which formerly occupied the site was demolished in 1975. To the left of Bakers is the Leeds and Holbeck Building Society. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

South Leeds: Memorable photos take you back to Morley in the early 1980s

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 6th Aug 2024, 04:45 GMT
Updated 6th Aug 2024, 04:45 GMT

Shopping memories provide the main focus of this photo gallery showcasing a decade in the life of Morley in the early 1980s.

Familiar shopping destinations such as Queen Street and Commercial Street are featured in this wonderful trip down memory lane from back in the day. The images are 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: Memories of lost Leeds pubs in Morley, Gildersome, Churwell and Drighlington 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 Queen Victoria Street, a pedestrian precinct lined with seats, and bushes in containers. Shops visible include on the left Cameron Beaumont optician, Oliver Menswear and Halford's Baker's and Restaurant, and on the right Vivian Smith Simply Clothes. Pictured in January 1980.

7. Morley in the 1980s

Looking east along Queen Victoria Street, a pedestrian precinct lined with seats, and bushes in containers. Shops visible include on the left Cameron Beaumont optician, Oliver Menswear and Halford's Baker's and Restaurant, and on the right Vivian Smith Simply Clothes. Pictured in January 1980. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A view looking west along Queen Victoria Street in January 1980. On the left is no. 23 - 25, Sutcliffe's Sports Goods, then the entrance to Cross Arcade. Next to this is no. 21 Queensbury Jewellers, then 19 Discount Toiletries and 17 Moss Bros, Hire Service.

8. Morley in the 1980s

A view looking west along Queen Victoria Street in January 1980. On the left is no. 23 - 25, Sutcliffe's Sports Goods, then the entrance to Cross Arcade. Next to this is no. 21 Queensbury Jewellers, then 19 Discount Toiletries and 17 Moss Bros, Hire Service. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Wesley Street seen from the junction with Oddfellow Street in January 1982. On the left is no. 12a, which appears to be a dwelling. On the right is the Laurence Garage, and behind that the former Wesley Street Mill. Just visible in the foreground, right, is the edge of the Central Methodist Church Hall.

9. Morley in the 1980s

Wesley Street seen from the junction with Oddfellow Street in January 1982. On the left is no. 12a, which appears to be a dwelling. On the right is the Laurence Garage, and behind that the former Wesley Street Mill. Just visible in the foreground, right, is the edge of the Central Methodist Church Hall. | Leeds Department of Planning Photo: Leeds Department of Planning

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A Tetley cart pulled by to shire horses travelling Corporation Street during Morley Carnival of 1984. The Wakefield Majorettes march in the background, about to turn the corner from Bruntcliffe Lane. Houses on Morris Place can be seen in the background.

10. Morley in the 1980s

A Tetley cart pulled by to shire horses travelling Corporation Street during Morley Carnival of 1984. The Wakefield Majorettes march in the background, about to turn the corner from Bruntcliffe Lane. Houses on Morris Place can be seen in the background. | David Atkinson Archive Photo: David Atkinson Archive

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Queen Street looking towards the junction with Fountain Street after which it becomes South Queen Street in March 1982. From right we can see the Gas Showroom and the Bradford & Bingley Society, then an 1890 building known as The Benefactory, here occupied by Mandy's Wool Centre and Khalid Fashions. Next to this is the Fountain Inn which is hidden from view. Over the road on South Queen Street shops include Ashley then Wallace Arnold Travel.

11. Morley in the 1980s

Queen Street looking towards the junction with Fountain Street after which it becomes South Queen Street in March 1982. From right we can see the Gas Showroom and the Bradford & Bingley Society, then an 1890 building known as The Benefactory, here occupied by Mandy's Wool Centre and Khalid Fashions. Next to this is the Fountain Inn which is hidden from view. Over the road on South Queen Street shops include Ashley then Wallace Arnold Travel. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Queen Street showing the Bradford & Bingley Building Society on the right, at no. 108. Partially visible on the left is Mandy's Wool Centre at no. 110; this occupies part of a building dating from 1890 known as The Benefactory. Pictured in March 1982.

12. Morley in the 1980s

Queen Street showing the Bradford & Bingley Building Society on the right, at no. 108. Partially visible on the left is Mandy's Wool Centre at no. 110; this occupies part of a building dating from 1890 known as The Benefactory. Pictured in March 1982. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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