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
31. Leeds city centre in the 1940s
Leeds City Tramways Shelter outside the Queens Hotel on a grey December day in 1946. The photograph looks towards Wellington Street and the Majestic Cinema past the News Theatre and City Station. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
32. Leeds city centre in the 1940s
The south west corner of Lewis's department store on The Headrow in July 1947. 'Clearance' poster visible. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
33. Leeds city centre in the 1940s
Merrion Street in December 1949. Pictured is Mardue And Simpson, French Polishers (below) and S. Libson, Tailor (above). Next door is H. Outhwaite, Newsagent. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
34. Leeds city centre in the 1940s
Stand D at Central Bus Station with a Castleford/Normanton bus picking up passengers in November 1943. The United Yeast Co. Ltd. is in the background on York Street. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
35. Leeds city centre in the 1940s
Crown Point Bridge in October 1944. Traffic is spread across the cobbled road including two horse and carts. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
36. Leeds city centre in the 1940s
Back Rockingham Street in June 1946. Pictured is The Amalgamated Engineering Union and The Globe Hotel. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net