Two newspaper sellers in Leeds city centre engaged in a conversation. The man on the left is selling copies of the Morning Star, a left-wing tabloid newspaper which, until 1966, was known as 'The Daily Worker'. As seen here, the Morning Star was in support of the National Union of Mineworkers during the strikes of the 1970s and 80s. The board strung around the young man's neck states 'Back the Miners Says the Morning Star'. At the time the photograph was taken the miners were part way through a seven week strike for better pay.placeholder image
Two newspaper sellers in Leeds city centre engaged in a conversation. The man on the left is selling copies of the Morning Star, a left-wing tabloid newspaper which, until 1966, was known as 'The Daily Worker'. As seen here, the Morning Star was in support of the National Union of Mineworkers during the strikes of the 1970s and 80s. The board strung around the young man's neck states 'Back the Miners Says the Morning Star'. At the time the photograph was taken the miners were part way through a seven week strike for better pay.

19 of the best photos take you back to Leeds in 1972

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 27th Mar 2023, 04:45 BST
Updated 28th Mar 2024, 14:57 BST

It was the year Leeds came together in a show of solidarity.

More than 500 people took part in a silent protest march along The Headrow and around the city centre in to show solidarity with the people of Northern Ireland several days after the Bloody Sunday killings. Thirteen men were shot dead on January 30, 1972 and a 14th victim was to die several weeks later of his injuries, aftermembers of the British army opened fire during a march through the Bogside area of Derry. The Leeds march was organised by the Northern Ireland Steering Committee and included many representatives of groups and associations. 1972 was also the year the miners went on a seven week strike for better pay, action which resulted in a state of emergency being declared and power shortages introduced. As a result a three-day week was imposed by the then Prime Minister, Edward Heath. These 17 images charting a year in the life of your city are published courtesy of C.E. Shaw and photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. READ MORE: 18 photos take you back to Leeds in 1971 LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP NEWSLETTERS: Sign up for free news and sport emails

A block of four back-to-back properties on Primrose Place in Hunslet pictured in February 1972.

13. Leeds in 1972

A block of four back-to-back properties on Primrose Place in Hunslet pictured in February 1972. Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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A speaker addresses protest marchers gathered outside Leeds Town Hall in Victoria Gardens.

14. Leeds in 1972

A speaker addresses protest marchers gathered outside Leeds Town Hall in Victoria Gardens. Photo: C.E. Shaw

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April 1972 and pictured is a Trans-Pennine diesel unit on its way to Leeds City after just passing through Morley Low Station. All the area of sidings at both sides of the main line has been cleared but nothing done to improve the environment around the railway.

15. Leeds in 1972

April 1972 and pictured is a Trans-Pennine diesel unit on its way to Leeds City after just passing through Morley Low Station. All the area of sidings at both sides of the main line has been cleared but nothing done to improve the environment around the railway. Photo: David Atkinson Archive

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The flats at Cottingley boasted a new adventure playground in October 1972. Pictured is Philip Darby at the top of a slide.

16. Leeds in 1972

The flats at Cottingley boasted a new adventure playground in October 1972. Pictured is Philip Darby at the top of a slide. Photo: YPN

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Miners picketing outside Skelton Power Station at Stourton in January 1972.

17. Leeds in 1972

Miners picketing outside Skelton Power Station at Stourton in January 1972. Photo: YPN

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Share your memories of Leeds in 1972 with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: andrew.hutchinson@jpress.co.uk or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN

18. Enjoyed this gallery?

Share your memories of Leeds in 1972 with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN Photo: YPN

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