These photos provide an intriguing glimpse into life in Leeds city centre during a decade dominated by the Second World War. They showcase a city coping with the trauma of conflict and determined to build back better with a proud community spirit. Landmarks featured include City Square, Leeds Civic Hall, Kirkgate Market, Leeds Bridge and Leeds Parish Church. Also in focus are well-known streets including Briggate, Kirkgate, The Headrow, Boar Lane, Commercial Street and Vicar Lane. 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: Nostalgic photos capture life around Leeds in 1940 LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
13. Leeds city centre in the 1940s
Mills and factories on East Street in November 1948, some of which are disused. The ones that aren't are the premises of 'Aire and Calder Navigation Co. Ltd.', 'E.Wooler and Son', 'A.E. Haycock'. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
14. Leeds city centre in the 1940s
The dining room of a British Restaurant, a cheap public eating place during World War II, at Leeds Town Hall pictured in August 1942. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
15. Leeds city centre in the 1940s
The demolition of air raid shelters in City Square in August 1946. Standard Buildings with Barclays Bank local head office, Standard Life Assurance and British General Insurance are visible in the background. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
16. Leeds city centre in the 1940s
Marks and Spencer on Briggate pictured in June 1942. The new store was completed by 1940, but was then requisitioned by the Ministry of Works. It was finally opened in 1951. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
17. Leeds city centre in the 1940s
Kirkgate Market in June 1947. Pictured is J. Wood and Son Ltd. fruit, veg and flower sellers. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
18. Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
Leeds Parish Church in July 1948. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net