These fascinating photos showcase life around Leeds’s Jewish quarter in the early 1900s. They take you back to Leylands in the first ten years of a new century and bring into focus the streets and landmarks which thousands of Jewish immigrants called home. They included Back Nile Street Synagogue which was put up to provide for the needs of the community. It was the Beth Hamedrash Hagodel Synagogue. The photos 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: Evocative photos showcase impoverished corner of Leeds LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. Leylands in the 1900s
The bridge over Bridge Street taken during Hope Street improvement in September 1909. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
8. Leylands in the 1900s
Back Nile Street Synagogue in April 1908. The Leylands area had a high concentration of Jewish immigrants living there. This synagogue was erected to provide for the needs of the community. It was the Beth Hamedrash Hagodel Synagogue. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Leylands in the 1900s
Looking towards North Street, on right numbers 81 and 83, junction with Star Street can be seen. Pictured in February 1908. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
10. Leylands in the 1900s
Copenhagen Street was partly demolished to build New York Road, between North Street and Regent Street. This view shows a section of cleared land and property to be pulled down. A workman is on the roof, holding measuring rod. Pictured in November 1908. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
11. Leylands in the 1900s
Looking from North Street end to Regent Street, prior to construction of York Road. Street sign on end of wall is for Copenhagen Street, which ran parallel to the left. Pictured in November 1908. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
12. Leylands in the 1900s
Construction of York Road, between North Street and Regent Street. Road work is taking place behind the fenced area. Advertisements can be seen on fence, including one for Zebra grate polish. A figure is standing in the middle of the cobbled road. Pictured in February 1909. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net