On the left of this view is Cyril's greengrocery, which also sells fish, fruit and flowers. This was number 10 Main Road. Cardwell Street runs to the right edge, numbers 3 to 9 are in view. These houses awaited demolition in line with the citywide slum clearance programme.placeholder image
On the left of this view is Cyril's greengrocery, which also sells fish, fruit and flowers. This was number 10 Main Road. Cardwell Street runs to the right edge, numbers 3 to 9 are in view. These houses awaited demolition in line with the citywide slum clearance programme. | West Yorkshire Archive Service

Leeds in the 1960s: Memories of the Armley streets which now have no name

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 10th Sep 2024, 04:45 GMT

These thought-provoking photos showcase how Armley was transformed by slum clearance in the mid 1960s.

The gallery of memories brings into focus properties which were under the threat of the bulldozer as the suburb braced itself for change. The photos turn back the clock to 1966 at a time plans were revealed to demolish large parts of the community. They provide a fascinating insight into life around LS12 which is sure to evoke memories for a generation of residents. The images are published courtesy of West Yorkshire Archive Service, which collects and looks after the unique documentary heritage of the region dating from the 12th century to the present day - more than 800 years of local history. It also runs Catablogue, an online blog dedicated to preserving the past, serving the present and protecting the future. READ MORE: Memories of lost Leeds pubs in Armley, Wortley and Farnley LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

The gable end property on the left of this view is number 228 Tong Road, which was also number 1 Main Road, a fish and chip shop with a large window seen towards the right. Main Road continues in ascending order to the right edge. A billboard advertising Crown Filter cigarettes can be seen above the shop. Although Tong Road still exists today, all the property in view was demolished during slum clearance.

7. Armley in 1966

The gable end property on the left of this view is number 228 Tong Road, which was also number 1 Main Road, a fish and chip shop with a large window seen towards the right. Main Road continues in ascending order to the right edge. A billboard advertising Crown Filter cigarettes can be seen above the shop. Although Tong Road still exists today, all the property in view was demolished during slum clearance. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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Main Road can be seen on the left edge of this view from September 1966. Moving right onto Tong Road number 226 on the corner is a grocers business of B.M. Newman. Numbers continue in descending order to the right. Houses have small front gardens and also have back entrances on Cardwell Street. Included in slum clearance plans for the Armley area.

8. Armley in 1966

Main Road can be seen on the left edge of this view from September 1966. Moving right onto Tong Road number 226 on the corner is a grocers business of B.M. Newman. Numbers continue in descending order to the right. Houses have small front gardens and also have back entrances on Cardwell Street. Included in slum clearance plans for the Armley area. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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On the left of the image is number 234 Tong Road, a cafe with a chiropody practise at number 236 on the far left. On the far right, a row of back-to-back terraced houses.

9. Armley in 1966

On the left of the image is number 234 Tong Road, a cafe with a chiropody practise at number 236 on the far left. On the far right, a row of back-to-back terraced houses. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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On the left edge of this view, properties on Main Street can be seen. Moving right onto Main Road, two boys stand next to a grocers and confectioners with the names C. & A. Garlick over the door. A painted wall sign above the window bears the name C. Briggs, the proprietor of a tobacconists here between the 1910s and the late 1940s. This was number 18 Main Road, numbers run in sequence to 12 on the right with Bright Terrace seen in the background.

10. Armley in 1966

On the left edge of this view, properties on Main Street can be seen. Moving right onto Main Road, two boys stand next to a grocers and confectioners with the names C. & A. Garlick over the door. A painted wall sign above the window bears the name C. Briggs, the proprietor of a tobacconists here between the 1910s and the late 1940s. This was number 18 Main Road, numbers run in sequence to 12 on the right with Bright Terrace seen in the background. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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On the left edge of this view the entrance to Station Road is visible. A shop run by J. Garbutt follows to the right. This is number 105 Town Street. The left window is full of flowers while the right window contains fruit and vegetables. Several billboards follow to the right including one which advertises a showing of 'Doctor Zhivargo' at the ABC Cinema. Scholefield's Fold is visible on the right edge.

11. Armley in 1966

On the left edge of this view the entrance to Station Road is visible. A shop run by J. Garbutt follows to the right. This is number 105 Town Street. The left window is full of flowers while the right window contains fruit and vegetables. Several billboards follow to the right including one which advertises a showing of 'Doctor Zhivargo' at the ABC Cinema. Scholefield's Fold is visible on the right edge. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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