Mill Hill in December 1979 taken from Bishopgate Street. On the Right is William Hill bookmakers then Bibi's Pizza Restaurant. Further along is an amusement arcade. In the background is Bond Street. Just visible on the left is the Black Lion public house.placeholder image
Mill Hill in December 1979 taken from Bishopgate Street. On the Right is William Hill bookmakers then Bibi's Pizza Restaurant. Further along is an amusement arcade. In the background is Bond Street. Just visible on the left is the Black Lion public house.

27 photos take you back to Leeds in 1979

By Andrew Hutchinson
Published 13th Dec 2021, 04:45 GMT
Updated 13th Dec 2021, 06:16 GMT

These photo gems celebrate a year in the life of Leeds at the end of the 1970s.

1979 felt like the winds of economic and social change were blowing into Leeds, a city whose residents kept smiling despite life, at times, being a struggle. It was a 12 months which West Yorkshire County Council planners rejected plans for an £80,000 Park Row footbridge in the city centre - part of a prestigious walkway in the sky - saying it contravened building regulations and was dangerous. These photos are a mix fromn the YEP archive and others 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: 18 photos take you back to Leeds in 1978 LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

The Grade II listed Time Ball buildings on Briggate in November 1979. They date from the early 19th century but much of the elaborate facade was added from 1872 when John Dyson, watchmaker, became established here.

1. Leeds city centre

The Grade II listed Time Ball buildings on Briggate in November 1979. They date from the early 19th century but much of the elaborate facade was added from 1872 when John Dyson, watchmaker, became established here. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
Vicar Lane to the junction with Sidney Street in December 1979. Pictured from left is Clover department store, National Westminster Bank, March the Tailor, Photomarket and Bargain Records.

2. Leeds city centre

Vicar Lane to the junction with Sidney Street in December 1979. Pictured from left is Clover department store, National Westminster Bank, March the Tailor, Photomarket and Bargain Records. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
New Briggate in December 1979. Pictured is Knobs and Knockers, Heel Bar shoe repairs, with the entrances to William Hill bookmakers and Brandons Club, and Whan Hai Chinese restaurant above. On the right is the Army and Navy Stores.

3. Leeds city centre

New Briggate in December 1979. Pictured is Knobs and Knockers, Heel Bar shoe repairs, with the entrances to William Hill bookmakers and Brandons Club, and Whan Hai Chinese restaurant above. On the right is the Army and Navy Stores. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
Lower Briggate in December 1979. Pictured, on the left, is the Golden Lion Hotel by the junction with Swinegate, then Class menswear, Bass and Bligh, camera and binocular repairs, Contact second hand goods and Starlight Room amusements. On the right is the junction with Heaton's Court.

4. Leeds city centre

Lower Briggate in December 1979. Pictured, on the left, is the Golden Lion Hotel by the junction with Swinegate, then Class menswear, Bass and Bligh, camera and binocular repairs, Contact second hand goods and Starlight Room amusements. On the right is the junction with Heaton's Court. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive's Transport Information Office on the corner of Kirkgate and New Market Street, a round brick building in front of the Trustee Savings Bank. This photo was taken in December 1979.

5. Leeds city centre

West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive's Transport Information Office on the corner of Kirkgate and New Market Street, a round brick building in front of the Trustee Savings Bank. This photo was taken in December 1979. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
The car park of the Morrisons store in December 1979. The photo looks towards South View Road where the long, single storey building of Yeadon Health Centre can be seen.

6. Yeadon

The car park of the Morrisons store in December 1979. The photo looks towards South View Road where the long, single storey building of Yeadon Health Centre can be seen. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Photo Sales
Previous
1 / 5
Next Page
Related topics:LeedsThe Secret Library Leeds
Celebrating 135 years of telling Leeds' stories
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice