They showcase life around the south Leeds suburb during a decade lived against the backdrop of the Second World War. Shops, local landmarks, street scenes and factories are all featured as well as work to build water tanks in the heart of the community as a temporary wartime measure. 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: Memories of lost Leeds pubs in Beeston, Holbeck and Cottingley LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
1. Beeston in the 1940s
Frank Barker's confectioners shop on Dewsbury Road pictured in January 1940. Just beyond the shop can be seen premises of Forgrove Machinery Co. Ltd., wrapping machine makers, which later became Rose Forgrove. Oakhurst Avenue is to the right of the photo. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
2. Beeston in the 1940s
Work in progress on a static water supply basin in Cross Flatts Park in December 1941. A number of these water tanks were made throughout the city as a temporary wartime measure | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Beeston in the 1940s
Showing excavations in Cross Flatts Park in November 1942. A workman stands in the large hole, where the front of a digger is visible. On the rim of the hole are members of the public and a parked car. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Beeston in the 1940s
Looking south along Wesley Street in October 1949. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Beeston in the 1940s
Wesley Street in October 1949. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Beeston in the 1940s
Wooler Drive in November 1945. Semi-detached house at number 5 Wooler Drive; also the premises of Ferguson Bros, decorators and builders. There is a large notice board advertising the firm between the ground floor and upper storey windows. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net