When you walked around Harehills in the early 1980s the vast majority of shops were boarded up for protection as a result of riots in the area. The riots, which sprung up in neighbouring Chapeltown, followed on from riots in other parts of the country such as Brixton and Toxteth, and were primarily racially motivated, though other factors such as social deprivation, poor housing and high unemployment also caused a lot of tension. These photos showcase a community on edge as well as others featuring lost landmarks and a bird’s eye view. They 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: 43 closed Leeds pubs which will stir fond memories for drinkers LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP NEWSLETTERS: Sign up for free news and sport emails
13. Harehills in the 1980s
Wholesale clothing warehouse on Roundhay Road in April 1980. The front is boarded up and there are advertising hoardings on the upper floor. St. Aidan's Church is on the left with Elford Place leading off. On the right is Back Elford Place. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
14. Harehills in the 1980s
The former Ashley Road Methodist Church which had been recently used as a furniture warehouse when this photo was taken in May 1984 The damage is thought to have been caused by a fire and the building had to be demolished. Members of the church had moved to a newer building, off camera, right, at the corner with Ashton Mount, several years before. This view is taken from Darfield Crescent and shows back-to-back terraced housing. Just behind the car on the left, Ashton Mount cuts across Darfield Crescent. Ashley Road Methodist Church dates from 1906 and was built to seat 400 persons at a cost of £3,000. P Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
15. Harehills in the 1980s
Roundhay Road, left, at the junction with Roseville Road (where advertising billboards are displayed). From the shop on the left, properties are numbered 158 to 148. Homes in Bayswater Place are visible in the background, right. Pictured in April 1980. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
16. Harehills in the 1980s
Roundhay Road seen from the junction with Gathorne Terrace, right. On the left is the curved frontage of Arthur Cooper, Wine Merchant at number 142 Roundhay Road. The photograph is taken looking in the direction of the City Centre. The left turn leads into Roseville Road. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
17. Harehills in the 1980s
Harehills Lane showing part of a row of shops. On the right is Tyme Style Jewellers, then in the centre is the Anglia Building Society while on the left is a newsagent. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
18. Harehills in the 1980s
Harehills Lane showing a row of shops in March 1982. These include Tyme Style Jewellers, Anglia Building Society and Paul, hair stylist. The junction with Nowell View is on the right. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net