They turn back the clock to 1937 and chart a year of change and challenges in Leeds city centre. It was a 12 months which plans were drawn up to celebrate the Coronation of King Edward VIII. The gallery features an artist’s impression of decorations on the front of the Paramount Cinema at the junction of the Headrow and Briggate. They never took place as he abdicated in favour of his brother King George VI. 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: 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 city centre
This view from November 1937 looks towards junction with Wade Lane from Rockingham Street. The Rockingham Arms Public House can be seen on the left, with the licensees name displayed as Thomas Edgar Thompson. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
2. Leeds city centre
A view of the Paramount (name changed to the Odeon in 1940), at the junction of The Headrow and Briggate in March 1937. This is an artist's impression of decorations for the Coronation of King Edward VIII, which did not take place. He abdicated in favour of his brother King George VI. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Leeds city centre
Briggate in November 1937. Queens Arcade, built on the site of the Rose and Crown Hotel. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Leeds city centre
Wade Lane showing Potters Almshouse in November 1937. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Leeds city centre
Wade Hall was named after Thomas Wade and built by Thomas Jackson 1630-40. It was partly demolished in 1863 for the building of Kellsall Street. What remained of the building became the Old Hall Hotel. Kelsall Street is to the left and Merrion Street is to the right. A sign states that a new Odeon Cinema is to be built on the site. This did not occur until the Merrion Centre was built here and opened in 1963. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Leeds city centre
This photo from November 1937 shows rows of Georgian terraced houses on Cobourg Street. The double fronted property that was number 2 Cobourg Street was the residence of Madame Jessup, palmist. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net