Hundreds of people queued down Boar Lane waiting for trams to take them to Roundhay Park. The occasion was a Whit Monday Bank Holiday during the Second World War which for many must have been a rare opportunity to get away and forget about the trauma of conflict. This was 1944 and the photo is one of 17 charting the year in the life of the city centre. Landmarks, shops, pubs and well travelled streets are all featured in this wonderful collection of memories. 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: The Leeds Blitz - Nine air raids which brought death and devastation LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
13. Leeds city cengtre
A group of 24 Civil Defence Rescue Party Officers in uniform outside Leeds Civic Hall in October 1944. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
14. Leeds city centre
Looking east along The Headrow near Lewis's department store in October 1944. Benefit Footwear Ltd is on the right. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
15. Leeds city centre
Looking east across The Headrow near its junction with New Briggate in October 1944. Lewis's department store and The Odeaon cinema are visible. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
16. Leeds city centre
The south side of The Headrow at its junction with Park Row, showing the rear of The Bank of England on the right. Pictured in October 1944. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
17. Leeds city centre
The north side of The Headrow at its junction with Cookridge Street showing Leeds Permanent Building Society. Pictured in October 1944. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
18. Enjoyed this gallery?
Share your feedback with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net