Salem Congregational Chapel at the junction of Hunslet Lane and Salem Place. Pictured in August 1950.placeholder image
Salem Congregational Chapel at the junction of Hunslet Lane and Salem Place. Pictured in August 1950. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Hunslet in the 1950s: 26 photo gems featuring the birthplace of Leeds United

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 15th Nov 2024, 11:23 GMT

It's the landmark which proved to the cradle of the beautiful game in Leeds. 

This church boasts a connection to every Leeds United supporter in the city and beyond. Hunslet’s Salem Congregational Chapel was the birthplace of Leeds United Football Club in October 1919. It is one of 26 photo gems showcasing life in the suburb during the 1950s. Other landmarks in focus include  Thwaite Gate and Christ Church Infant School as well as The Rose Cafe and pubs including The Clarence Hotel and The Falcon Inn. The images are published courtesy of West Yorkshire Archive Service and photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. READ MORE: The story of the Leeds city centre character known as 'Woodbine Lizzie' LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

Forge Place pictured in July 1959. On the far left of the image just visible is a block of shared outside toilets.

13. Hunslet in the 1950s

Forge Place pictured in July 1959. On the far left of the image just visible is a block of shared outside toilets. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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Thwaite Gate showing on the left of the image the entrance to Fenton Place, a square of back-to-back and through-by-light terraced houses. Pictured in July 1959.

14. Hunslet in the 1950s

Thwaite Gate showing on the left of the image the entrance to Fenton Place, a square of back-to-back and through-by-light terraced houses. Pictured in July 1959. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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Thwaite Gate showing on the left of the image an entrance to the forecourt of the Thwaite Gate Service Station. Next to this is D & A Forster, newsagents. Pictured in July 1959.

15. Hunslet in the 1950s

Thwaite Gate showing on the left of the image an entrance to the forecourt of the Thwaite Gate Service Station. Next to this is D & A Forster, newsagents. Pictured in July 1959. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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A disused shop on Holdsworth Street pictured in August 1958. A sign in the window advertises a Yorkshire Evening News article from November 1956, two years out of date. On the right edge, the entrance to Brookfield Place is visible.

16. Hunslet in the 1950s

A disused shop on Holdsworth Street pictured in August 1958. A sign in the window advertises a Yorkshire Evening News article from November 1956, two years out of date. On the right edge, the entrance to Brookfield Place is visible. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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The Rose Cafe on South Accommodation Road pictured in August 1958.

17. Hunslet in the 1950s

The Rose Cafe on South Accommodation Road pictured in August 1958. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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Holdworth Street runs from the left of this view from Barrett Street in August 1958.

18. Hunslet in the 1950s

Holdworth Street runs from the left of this view from Barrett Street in August 1958. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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