Leeds nostalgia: Photo gems take you back to Little London in the 1950s

Enjoy this stroll down memory lane celebrating a decade in the life of Little London.

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 12th Aug 2023, 04:45 GMT

These wonderful photos take you to the heart of the community in the 1950s and showcase aspects of work, rest and play. Landmarks in focus include The Victory Cinema on Camp Road as well as corner shops which are sure to be remembered by a generation of residents. The images are a mix from West Yorkshire Archive Service and others published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. READ MORE: 10 photo gems showcase Little London in the 1960s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

The Victory Cinema on Camp Road in April 1958. The cinema has carved stone band with the name 'Victory Picture Palace' and the date July 1920. Cinema historians give the exact opening date as August 16, 1920. It was closed on January 19, 1959. The adjacent building to the right was the Victory Halls, at this time it was Sassoons tailoring factoring. Crawford Street is to the left.

1. Little London in the 1950s

The Victory Cinema on Camp Road in April 1958. The cinema has carved stone band with the name 'Victory Picture Palace' and the date July 1920. Cinema historians give the exact opening date as August 16, 1920. It was closed on January 19, 1959. The adjacent building to the right was the Victory Halls, at this time it was Sassoons tailoring factoring. Crawford Street is to the left. Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

Camp Road and Sedan Place in July 1958. On the left is Woerth Street with a shop at number 92 Camp Road top the left edge. At the time this was owned by James Abbot and had previously been owned by Emily Richardson. Next number 90a Camp Road (Oatland Lane). A man in a white overall is in the doorway of 90, which is a grocers shop, business of S.C. Stocks. Sedan Place is next, number 3 has a girl in the doorway.

2. Little London in the 1950s

Camp Road and Sedan Place in July 1958. On the left is Woerth Street with a shop at number 92 Camp Road top the left edge. At the time this was owned by James Abbot and had previously been owned by Emily Richardson. Next number 90a Camp Road (Oatland Lane). A man in a white overall is in the doorway of 90, which is a grocers shop, business of S.C. Stocks. Sedan Place is next, number 3 has a girl in the doorway. Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

This is looking from Alboni Street towards Alfred Cross Street in July 1958. Patti Street is on the left, in the centre is an area of cleared ground between the two streets. The large building was previously a Wesleyan Methodist Mission Hall, it is used as a paint and varnish works by a company called Harpmill.

3. Little London in the 1950s

This is looking from Alboni Street towards Alfred Cross Street in July 1958. Patti Street is on the left, in the centre is an area of cleared ground between the two streets. The large building was previously a Wesleyan Methodist Mission Hall, it is used as a paint and varnish works by a company called Harpmill. Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

Back Glover Street in July 1958. These were through houses with entrances on Glover Street. Number 50 is the house just in from the left with an extension. Moving right, 62 is at the end, next to the cleared site.

4. Little London in the 1950s

Back Glover Street in July 1958. These were through houses with entrances on Glover Street. Number 50 is the house just in from the left with an extension. Moving right, 62 is at the end, next to the cleared site. Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

Trafalgar Works, premises of Alexander Rose, clothing manufacturer, on Elmwood Street in June 1951.

5. Little London in the 1950s

Trafalgar Works, premises of Alexander Rose, clothing manufacturer, on Elmwood Street in June 1951. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Derelict premises on Camp Road and 'Kamil Bros, upholsterers' at number 28. Advert for 'Cadbury's Bourn-vita'. Pictured in July 1951.

6. Little London in the 1950s

Derelict premises on Camp Road and 'Kamil Bros, upholsterers' at number 28. Advert for 'Cadbury's Bourn-vita'. Pictured in July 1951. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net