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

Inside the empty factory at Marshall's flax spinning mills on west side of Marshall Street in August 1949. Lit by skylights

19. Holbeck in the 1940s

Inside the empty factory at Marshall's flax spinning mills on west side of Marshall Street in August 1949. Lit by skylights | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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View looking North-West from Victoria Bridge. On the right bank is a crane on a rail track and coal hoppers. A barge is in the water. On the left bank are buildings with an 'Arches to Let' sign. In the distance are more arches and the City skyline. Pictured in December 1945.

20. Holbeck in the 1940s

View looking North-West from Victoria Bridge. On the right bank is a crane on a rail track and coal hoppers. A barge is in the water. On the left bank are buildings with an 'Arches to Let' sign. In the distance are more arches and the City skyline. Pictured in December 1945. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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A view looking south west at the corner of Derwent Street and Water Lane. Knight and Forster Ltd. printers and F. Coggill and Son stockists and distributing agents visible. Simpson's Ready Food truck on the left. Pictured in September 1948.

21. Holbeck in the 1940s

A view looking south west at the corner of Derwent Street and Water Lane. Knight and Forster Ltd. printers and F. Coggill and Son stockists and distributing agents visible. Simpson's Ready Food truck on the left. Pictured in September 1948. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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View looking across Hills Yard and Meadow Lane, showing premises of New Western Sheet Metal Works and H. J. Fuller and Sons Electrical Engineers. In the foreground can be seen the Giotto tower of Tower Works. Pictured in June 1949.

22. Holbeck in the 1940s

View looking across Hills Yard and Meadow Lane, showing premises of New Western Sheet Metal Works and H. J. Fuller and Sons Electrical Engineers. In the foreground can be seen the Giotto tower of Tower Works. Pictured in June 1949. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Workmen finishing foundations of extension for R W Crabtree & Sons at Water Lane. Hol Beck runs at the side of the factory and under the new foundations. A small bridge from Water Lane over Hol Beck to the factory is in the background. Pictured in March 1945.

23. Holbeck in the 1940s

Workmen finishing foundations of extension for R W Crabtree & Sons at Water Lane. Hol Beck runs at the side of the factory and under the new foundations. A small bridge from Water Lane over Hol Beck to the factory is in the background. Pictured in March 1945. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Croydon Street showing Domestic Street Bridge and Croydon Place. A brick wall with barbed wire surrounds the viaduct. A poster urges to use less water. Pictured in November 1949.

24. Holbeck in the 1940s

Croydon Street showing Domestic Street Bridge and Croydon Place. A brick wall with barbed wire surrounds the viaduct. A poster urges to use less water. Pictured in November 1949. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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