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.placeholder image
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

West Leeds retro: Weary photos take you back to Wortley in the 1940s

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 1st Nov 2026, 04:30 GMT

Wortley in the 1940s: Photos showcase life against the backdrop of the Second World War

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

Looking south-west down Stonebridge Lane, past the bridge over Wortley Beck, to the junction with Farnley Ring Road. The building on the left is Fred A. Lodge & Sons Ltd., wool manufacturers. Pictured in December 1949.

13. Wortley in the 1940s

Looking south-west down Stonebridge Lane, past the bridge over Wortley Beck, to the junction with Farnley Ring Road. The building on the left is Fred A. Lodge & Sons Ltd., wool manufacturers. Pictured in December 1949. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Looking north-east past the bridge over Wortley Beck on Stonebridge Lane. Beyond is the mill of Fred A. Lodge & Sons Ltd., who are advertising for weavers on a sign to the right. Speed limit signs and a factory chimney are visible.

14. Wortley in the 1940s

Looking north-east past the bridge over Wortley Beck on Stonebridge Lane. Beyond is the mill of Fred A. Lodge & Sons Ltd., who are advertising for weavers on a sign to the right. Speed limit signs and a factory chimney are visible. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Number 18 Swallow Avenue, a brick terraced house with a pent roofed garden shed. Pictured in October 1946.

15. Wortley in the 1940s

Number 18 Swallow Avenue, a brick terraced house with a pent roofed garden shed. Pictured in October 1946. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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The premises of W. H. Baxter Ltd, stone breaking machinery manufacturers, at number 71 Gelderd Road. A horse and cart is on the road. Leah Place is on the left, where a car and a handcart are parked. Pictured in November 1944.

16. Wortley in the 1940s

The premises of W. H. Baxter Ltd, stone breaking machinery manufacturers, at number 71 Gelderd Road. A horse and cart is on the road. Leah Place is on the left, where a car and a handcart are parked. Pictured in November 1944. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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