Looking north-east along Springwell Street from the junction with Holbeck Lane in February 1945. Maenson House Clothing Works, owned by Joseph May and Sons Leeds Ltd., occupies most of the length of the right-hand side. The premises are also occupied by Tom Dixon, corn dealer.placeholder image
Looking north-east along Springwell Street from the junction with Holbeck Lane in February 1945. Maenson House Clothing Works, owned by Joseph May and Sons Leeds Ltd., occupies most of the length of the right-hand side. The premises are also occupied by Tom Dixon, corn dealer. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

31 evocative photos take you back to Holbeck in the 1940s

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 26th Jun 2024, 04:45 GMT

Holbeck in the 1940s is the destination for this wonderful trip down memory lane.

The photo gallery showcases the suburb’s links with the city’s rich industrial heritage as well as capturing the daily hustle and bustle of life. Local landmarks, schools and well travelled streets are also featured in this look back at the decade. READ MORE: 43 closed Leeds pubs which will stir fond memories for drinkers LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

A British Restaurant, a cheap public eating place during World War II, under construction on Whitehall Road. Wooden posts, concrete slabs and a pile of stones are visible. Wm. Blackburn and Co. Ltd. clothiers can be seen in the background on Springwell Road. Pictured in November 1942.

13. Holbeck in the 1940s

A British Restaurant, a cheap public eating place during World War II, under construction on Whitehall Road. Wooden posts, concrete slabs and a pile of stones are visible. Wm. Blackburn and Co. Ltd. clothiers can be seen in the background on Springwell Road. Pictured in November 1942. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A view along Croydon Place with Domestic Street Bridge, Staincross Place and Staincross Street on the left. A tobacconists can be seen in the background. Pictured in November 1949.

14. Holbeck in the 1940s

A view along Croydon Place with Domestic Street Bridge, Staincross Place and Staincross Street on the left. A tobacconists can be seen in the background. Pictured in November 1949. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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The yard of Binton Construction Ltd. of Ingram Road showing parked cars in the foreground and a man and tractor in background. Pictured in September 1946.

15. Holbeck in the 1940s

The yard of Binton Construction Ltd. of Ingram Road showing parked cars in the foreground and a man and tractor in background. Pictured in September 1946. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Water Lane in December 1945. Finished building of R.W. Crabtree printing machine manufacturer at no.67 Water Lane. Magnetic Motors to left.

16. Holbeck in the 1940s

Water Lane in December 1945. Finished building of R.W. Crabtree printing machine manufacturer at no.67 Water Lane. Magnetic Motors to left. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Mill Street in November 1949. Premises of George Fletcher, Brassfounders Ltd, of Mill Street. The street in front has been levelled and cleared. There are industrial buildings in the background on the right, behind a short terrace of houses. Running from the left behind Fletchers is a railway viaduct.

17. Holbeck in the 1940s

Mill Street in November 1949. Premises of George Fletcher, Brassfounders Ltd, of Mill Street. The street in front has been levelled and cleared. There are industrial buildings in the background on the right, behind a short terrace of houses. Running from the left behind Fletchers is a railway viaduct. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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The roof of Marshall's flax spinning mills on the west side of Marshall Street. St Francis of Assisi church steeple is in the background, centre left of the photo. Pictured in August 1949.

18. Holbeck in the 1940s

The roof of Marshall's flax spinning mills on the west side of Marshall Street. St Francis of Assisi church steeple is in the background, centre left of the photo. Pictured in August 1949. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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