An Angel of Victory formed part of a war memorial which was unveiled in City Square next to the Majestic cinema and Post Office in 1922. The redesign of City Square due to traffic alterations, meant that the memorial was moved in the 1930s to the Garden of Rest which was built on the newly-widened Headrow. The original winged Angel of Victory figure was eventually removed in 1965 due to wind damage and relocated to Cottingley Crematorium. The head is now in the Leeds Sculpture Collection. This wonderful collection of photos takes you back to 1922 and shows life around Leeds city centre during the year. The photos are 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: Watch - Secrets of Leeds Queens Hotel revealed including hidden tunnel LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
1. Leeds city centre
A postmark of December 29, 1922 showing the War Memorial when located in City Square, with the Majestic Picture House behind. The photo must have been taken not long after the unveiling of the Memorial, which took place on October 10, 1922; a crowd is gathered around to see the new tribute to those who lost their lives in the First World War. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
2. Leeds city centre
Premises of W.M. Green and Son grocers, formerly Buck and Jackson. A notice above shop gives details of sale of shop, William Green having died. To the right is the Turks Head Yard, with Whitelocks first City Luncheon Bar. Pictured in June 1922. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Leeds city centre
Dedication of the War Memorial in City Square in October 1922. The monument is in the centre draped with a covering which bears the Union Jack flag. The Majestic Cinema is in the background with Quebec Street to the right. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Leeds in 1922
A corner of City Square showing the Park Row face of the Royal Exchange Chambers housing the Automobile Association and W H Bayswater Ltd, Colliers Proprietors among other businesses. In the background can be seen part of the Marsh, Jones and Crabb Ltd building advertised as furnishers and decorators. Pictured in December 1922. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Leeds city centre
Briggate with Wm Green and Son, grocers to centre of the photo from June 1922. Turks yard is to right with signs for Whitelocks luncheon bar clearly visible. Also showing is Manfield and Sons Boot dealers. To left of Greens is Thorton and Co. Ltd. India Rubber manufacturers. Two children wait in the tram stop. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Leeds city centre
The War Memorial in its original location, next to the Majestic cinema and Post Office in City Square. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net