12 rare photos of Leeds city centre taking you back to Briggate in 1937

Enjoy a walk down Briggate showcasing a year in the life of the well-loved street at the back end of the 1930s.

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 14th Oct 2022, 04:45 BST

Updated 26th Oct 2023, 16:03 BST

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You can almost hear the hustle and bustle of shoppers and traders on the city centre thoroughfare in these photos which rewind to 1937. 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 life in Leeds city centre during the 1930s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

The Kardomah Cafe which opened in 1908 and closed in 1965. Next is Bon Marche chambers, Fleming's hairdresser and also Mutual Clothing and Furnishing Club. Then Bon Marche shop, ladieswear, with signs stating 'Expiration of Lease', 'Great closing down sale.' Within two days, the premises had been taken by Philips Furnishing Co.

1. Briggate in 1937

The Kardomah Cafe which opened in 1908 and closed in 1965. Next is Bon Marche chambers, Fleming's hairdresser and also Mutual Clothing and Furnishing Club. Then Bon Marche shop, ladieswear, with signs stating 'Expiration of Lease', 'Great closing down sale.' Within two days, the premises had been taken by Philips Furnishing Co. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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September 1937 and this photo shows improvement works to The County Arcade, Smith Brothers, Queen Victoria Street area. Premises shown, from left, are J Lyon's cafe; The County Arcade; Smith Brothers, drapers; Queen Victoria Street and J.L. White, clothier.

3. Briggate in 1937

September 1937 and this photo shows improvement works to The County Arcade, Smith Brothers, Queen Victoria Street area. Premises shown, from left, are J Lyon's cafe; The County Arcade; Smith Brothers, drapers; Queen Victoria Street and J.L. White, clothier. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Improvement works to The County Arcade, Smith Brothers, Smith Brothers was a large premises and in the photo, it is shown with scaffolding and hoardings surrounding it. The illuminating 'Smith Brothers' sign is visible on the corner of the building where Queen Victoria Street starts.

4. Briggate in 1937

Improvement works to The County Arcade, Smith Brothers, Smith Brothers was a large premises and in the photo, it is shown with scaffolding and hoardings surrounding it. The illuminating 'Smith Brothers' sign is visible on the corner of the building where Queen Victoria Street starts. Photo: gfhjk

Fred Groves, tobacconist shop has various signs and advertisements in view. Pictured in September 1937.

5. Briggate in 1937

Fred Groves, tobacconist shop has various signs and advertisements in view. Pictured in September 1937. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

The Queens Arcade, built on the site of the Rose and Crown Hotel, in November 1937. In view is J.W. Foster, drapers, who are advertising a ten day sale. Also The British Shoe Company and Marks and Spencer, bazaar (before the move to its present site).

6. Briggate in 1937

The Queens Arcade, built on the site of the Rose and Crown Hotel, in November 1937. In view is J.W. Foster, drapers, who are advertising a ten day sale. Also The British Shoe Company and Marks and Spencer, bazaar (before the move to its present site). Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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