A tram in City Square, number 86, destination Harehills. In the background to the left of the tram the entrance to Leeds City Station is visible, with Woodland's Chemists to the left of it. Also on the left, at the edge, is the News Theatre, part of The Queen's Hotel building. Pictured in July 1952.placeholder image
A tram in City Square, number 86, destination Harehills. In the background to the left of the tram the entrance to Leeds City Station is visible, with Woodland's Chemists to the left of it. Also on the left, at the edge, is the News Theatre, part of The Queen's Hotel building. Pictured in July 1952. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

14 charming photos transport you back to Leeds city centre in the early 1950s

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 12th Nov 2026, 04:30 GMT

Leeds city centre in 1952: Trams and traffic jams in focus

These charming photos chart a year in the life of the city centre in the early 1950s. They transport you back to 1952 and showcase trams, traffic jams and the daily hustle and bustle of life around the heart of Leeds. It was a 12 months which your city melted in the ice cream heat while the gallery features memories of Vicar Lane, Cookridge Street and Leeds Central Station. The images 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: 14 of the best photos take you back to Leeds in 1950 LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

Arthur Hooker Stone, known as "Stoney" owner of Stone Brothers on Albion Street tailors. Pictured in June 1952.

7. Leeds city centre

Arthur Hooker Stone, known as "Stoney" owner of Stone Brothers on Albion Street tailors. Pictured in June 1952. | YPN Photo: YPN

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Traffic congestion on The Headrow in January 1952.

8. Leeds city centre

Traffic congestion on The Headrow in January 1952. | YPN Photo: YPN

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The west side of The Headrow in July 1952.

9. Leeds city centre

The west side of The Headrow in July 1952. | YPN Photo: YPN

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A traffic jam on The Headrow in January 1952.

10. Leeds city centre

A traffic jam on The Headrow in January 1952. | YPN Photo: YPN

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The war memorial on The Headrow in May 1952.

11. Leeds city centre

The war memorial on The Headrow in May 1952. | YPN Photo: YPN

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The River Aire at Leeds Bridge in March 1952.

12. Leeds city centre

The River Aire at Leeds Bridge in March 1952. | YPN Photo: YPN

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