It was the year final preparations were being made for rationing. This photo of women sat around a large table preparing the first ration books was taken in November 1939 just two months before it officially began when bacon, butter, and sugar the first foods to be restricted. The image is one 11 taking a look at life around Leeds city centre during 1939 with a range of landmarks in focus. The images are a mix from the YEP archive, Thoresby Society 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: Watch - Secrets of Leeds Queens Hotel revealed including hidden tunnel LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
1. Leeds in 1939
Women sat around a large table preparing the first ration books in November 1939. | YPN Photo: YPN
2. Leeds city centre
The Little Theatre at number 51 Cookridge Street. Known as the Alexandra Hall it was once the lecture theatre of the Yorkshire College and had then, for many years, been part of the Leeds College of Music. It later became the home of Leeds Arts Theatre. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Leeds city centre
Wartime view of City Square from late 1939 showing the National Service Hut put up as a recruitment office for the armed services. A large poster shows a lion underneath the words "Wake Up Citizens of Leeds". The statue of the Black Prince looms high above while the Queens Hotel (left) and the Majestic Cinema and General Post Office (right) can be seen in the background. | Thoresby Society Photo: Thoresby Society
4. Leeds city centre
Lord Mayor Charles Boyle is pictured in December 1939 presenting the first ARP badges in the Leeds Town Hall. | YPN Photo: YPN
5. Leeds city centre
Derelict buildings in the Fearnes Island area. This is the area where Sheepscar Beck meets the River Aire. Fearnes Island was named after the owner of nearby Nether Mills on East Street. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Leeds city centre
The Rialto cinema on Briggate pictured in March 1939. | YPN Photo: YPN