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
1. Briggate in 1937
The Kardomah Cafe in July 1937. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
2. 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. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. 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. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Briggate in 1937
Fred Groves, tobacconist shop has various signs and advertisements in view. Pictured in September 1937. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. 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). | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Briggate in 1937
July 1937 and in view is Kardomah Cafe, exhibiton tea-rooms; The Angel Inn Yard and The new Philip's Furnishing Co. premises on the site of The Old Bon Anarche Chambers. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net