All aboard for this trip down memory lane charting a year in the life of Leeds in the mid-1970s. 1974 is the destination of travel for this gallery of photos which place a particular emphasis on traffic and travel as well as providing intriguing bird’s eye views of your city. Landmarks from the city centre are featured as well as memories from around the suburb’s with Rothwell, Armley, Crossgates, Thorner, Headingley, Cookridge and Seacroft all in focus. The photos are a mix from 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: Lost city centre landmarks - The Leeds Skywalk 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 city centre
The no. 1 bus on route to Holt Park, outside Eagle Star Group building on The Headrow, close to the junction with Cookridge Street. The bus is Daimler-Roe bodied. Pictured in October 1974. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
2. Leeds city centre
Wellington Street looking in the direction of the City Centre at the time of the construction of Stage 3 of the Inner Ring Road. The clock tower of your YEP building is seen near the oncoming traffic to the right. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Leeds city centre
Looking east along York Place from the junction with Queen Street in January 1974. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Leeds city centre
A bird's eye view looking down on the roof tops of the Merrion Centre with Merrion Street on the right. Rising above the Merrion Centre on the left is the office block Wade House, while the tall building towards the top right is Fairfax House on Wade Lane. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Leeds city centre
A view looking west from Westgate showing the construction of Stage 3 of the Inner Ring Road under a light covering of snow. To the right, Telephone House in Westgate is visible and at the far left is Dunlop Rubber Co. Ltd., motor tyre manufacturers also in Westgate. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Leeds city centre
Alexander Street showing the rear of Leeds Art Gallery in July 1974. This part is the old Sam Wilson extension. On the right, the rear of the Municipal Buildings can be seen at the junction with Calverley Street. | Leeds Art Gallery Photo: Leeds Art Gallery