These fascinating photos take you back to Wortley in the 1940s as the reality of the Second World War hit home. The main photo shows the aftermath of an air-raid which severely damaged a historic church in the heart of LS12. Other photo memories feature the air raid warden's post on Driver Street and the bridge on Golden Lane over Wortley Beck. 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 Armley, Wortley and Farnley LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
1. Wortley in the 1940s
Oak Road Congregational Church, built in 1875 to the designs of T. Ambler & Son. It had cost £7,000 to build and seated 900 people. The church was severely damaged due to an air-raid in October 1941. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
2. Wortley in the 1940s
Crown Furniture Mart Store at the junction of Rhodes Terrace and Wellington Road. Photo shows the yard at the back of the store which is filled with old furniture. Pictured in November 1940. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Wortley in the 1940s
Premises of W.H. Baxter Ltd, Stone breaking machinery makers, from the rear at Mill Green, a large crane is near the buildings. There is derelict land in the foreground, the front of Baxters is on Gelderd Road. Pictured in November 1944. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Wortley in the 1940s
Looking south along the south-east side of Gelderd Road at its junction with Wortley Lane. Premises shown are; (on Wortley Lane) R. Fryer, butcher; then on Gelderd Road, T. Webster, boot repairs; H. Shaw, greengrocers, then the junction with Leah Place, and at number 17, W.H. Baxter Ltd., machinery manufacturers. A man and a boy stand in Fryer's doorway, its windows are taped for safety during bombing raids. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Worley in the 1940s
Looking south from the railway embankment along Roseneath Street, off Oldfield Lane. A streetlamp is visible on the right. Pictured in October 1945. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Wortley in the 1940s
This photo from October 1945 shows building, possibly the signal box on the Leeds and Bradford railway line near Roseneath Street, off Oldfield Lane. The building is surrounded by waste ground. A man can be seen crouching on the left. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net