The entrance to Kirkgate Market Hall at the junction of Ludgate Hill, left, and Vicar Lane, right. Paul Turner, furniture supermarket, on the left is offering a carpet fitting service. To the right of the entrance is Barker's ladieswear.placeholder image
The entrance to Kirkgate Market Hall at the junction of Ludgate Hill, left, and Vicar Lane, right. Paul Turner, furniture supermarket, on the left is offering a carpet fitting service. To the right of the entrance is Barker's ladieswear. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

28 rarely-seen photos take you back to Leeds city centre in the early 1970s

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 15th Aug 2024, 04:45 GMT

These rarely seen photos take you back to Leeds city centre in the early 1970s.

Landmarks such as Kirkgate Market and Leeds International Pool as well as well travelled streets including The Headrow, Boar Lane, Vicar Lane, Briggate and Great Street are all featured in this rewind. All the photos featured in this gallery are circa 1971 to 1973 although the exact date is unknown. 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: 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

New Briggate at the junction with Cross Belgrave Street, left, and Merrion Street, right. In the background on the right is the Public Dispensary at Centenary House, on Hartley Hill by the junction with North Street. This was built in 1904 and closed in November 1971. In the background, left, are three blocks of high-rise flats, Lovell Park Towers, Lovell Park Heights and Lovell Park Grange.

7. Leeds city centre

New Briggate at the junction with Cross Belgrave Street, left, and Merrion Street, right. In the background on the right is the Public Dispensary at Centenary House, on Hartley Hill by the junction with North Street. This was built in 1904 and closed in November 1971. In the background, left, are three blocks of high-rise flats, Lovell Park Towers, Lovell Park Heights and Lovell Park Grange. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A view looking onto the Central Bus Station from the junction of Kirkgate, to the left, and St. Peter's Street, to the right.

8. Leeds city centre

A view looking onto the Central Bus Station from the junction of Kirkgate, to the left, and St. Peter's Street, to the right. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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The entrance to a subway on Briggate.

9. Leeds city centre

The entrance to a subway on Briggate. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Looking south-east from the City Square end of Boar Lane. On the left is Mason menswear then the junction with Upper Mill Hill followed by Berni Inn Restaurant. On the right are Jackie Photos, Olympia Coffee House, Coombes shoe repairs and the Griffin Hotel. The junction with Mill Hill is next then Boots the Chemist. Further along is Owen and Robinson jewellers after the junction with New Station Street.

10. Leeds city centre

Looking south-east from the City Square end of Boar Lane. On the left is Mason menswear then the junction with Upper Mill Hill followed by Berni Inn Restaurant. On the right are Jackie Photos, Olympia Coffee House, Coombes shoe repairs and the Griffin Hotel. The junction with Mill Hill is next then Boots the Chemist. Further along is Owen and Robinson jewellers after the junction with New Station Street. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Looking north along Briggate from the junction with Boar Lane, left, and Duncan Street, right. Saxone shoes on the left had occupied this spot since around 1908; Saxone Corner, as it was known, had become a popular meeting place, though this 1880s building had replaced the old 19th century one after Boar Lane had been widened. Shops on the right include Mothercare, Dolcis footwear, Woolworths and Littlewoods.

11. Leeds city centre

Looking north along Briggate from the junction with Boar Lane, left, and Duncan Street, right. Saxone shoes on the left had occupied this spot since around 1908; Saxone Corner, as it was known, had become a popular meeting place, though this 1880s building had replaced the old 19th century one after Boar Lane had been widened. Shops on the right include Mothercare, Dolcis footwear, Woolworths and Littlewoods. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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The west side of Cookridge Street. Shops visible include Austick's Polytechnic Bookshop, Peter Wilde hairdressing and Carmel religious bookshop. Henry Stead & Partners Ltd., business transfer and estage agents, occupy offices above.

12. Leeds city centre

The west side of Cookridge Street. Shops visible include Austick's Polytechnic Bookshop, Peter Wilde hairdressing and Carmel religious bookshop. Henry Stead & Partners Ltd., business transfer and estage agents, occupy offices above. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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