The entrance to Bramley Railway Station on Stanningley Road circa 1908. A sign reads 'Great Northern Railway to Bramley Station'. The station opened on 1st August 1854 and had two platforms opposite each other accessed by the footbridge seen here. The station closed on 2nd July 1966 eventually to be replaced by a new one which opened on 12th September 1983. placeholder image
The entrance to Bramley Railway Station on Stanningley Road circa 1908. A sign reads 'Great Northern Railway to Bramley Station'. The station opened on 1st August 1854 and had two platforms opposite each other accessed by the footbridge seen here. The station closed on 2nd July 1966 eventually to be replaced by a new one which opened on 12th September 1983. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

11 blissful photos take you back to Bramley in the first decade of the 20th century

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 7th Apr 2024, 04:45 GMT

These photos provide an intriguing glimpse into life around a west Leeds suburb in the first decade of the 20th century.

They turn back the clock to the 1900s and bring into focus life around Bramley. Local landmarks such as the railway station are featured as well as shops on Town Street and schools which helped educate a generation. 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: 23 brilliant photos take you back to Bramley in the 1990s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP NEWSLETTERS: Sign up for free news and sport emails

Bramley Carnival parade travelling along Town Street in May 1907. Participants in horse-drawn carriages include the May Queen and assisants in the front carriage. The first official Bramley Carnival was held in 1892 but it is believed to date back to 1865 unofficially. It was a popular event in the first half of the 20th century but then was not held for many years until being resurrected in 1976.

7. Bramley in the 1900s

Bramley Carnival parade travelling along Town Street in May 1907. Participants in horse-drawn carriages include the May Queen and assisants in the front carriage. The first official Bramley Carnival was held in 1892 but it is believed to date back to 1865 unofficially. It was a popular event in the first half of the 20th century but then was not held for many years until being resurrected in 1976. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A back alley or ginnel off Town Street in May 1909.. A group of women and children stand in the doorway.

8. Bramley in the 1900s

A back alley or ginnel off Town Street in May 1909.. A group of women and children stand in the doorway. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Number 124 Drapers shop and house business of Joseph. H. Hargrave. In the window on the left are childrens pinafores. Socks are hanging door with a sign 'Stockings re-footed'. A ladies blouse can be seen in the front window. Workmen are measuring property, part of an improvement plan for Bramley Town Street. Pictured in May 1909.

9. Bramley in the 1900s

Number 124 Drapers shop and house business of Joseph. H. Hargrave. In the window on the left are childrens pinafores. Socks are hanging door with a sign 'Stockings re-footed'. A ladies blouse can be seen in the front window. Workmen are measuring property, part of an improvement plan for Bramley Town Street. Pictured in May 1909. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Town Street in May 1906. On the left the incline of Stocks Hill is just visible, a horse and cart heading in that direction. To the right is an area of cleared ground.

10. Bramley in the 1900s

Town Street in May 1906. On the left the incline of Stocks Hill is just visible, a horse and cart heading in that direction. To the right is an area of cleared ground. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Town Street in May 1909. The rear view of property which was to be demolished. The site was used for a new Poor Rate Office. A small group of children on the left are watching workmen measuring the building.

11. Bramley in the 1900s

Town Street in May 1909. The rear view of property which was to be demolished. The site was used for a new Poor Rate Office. A small group of children on the left are watching workmen measuring the building. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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