This mini-gallery of memories charts a decade in the life of Middleton and its residents. The photos turn the spotlight on the south Leeds suburb in the 1970s and are sure to resonate with a generation of people who called Middleton home back in the day. Shops and life at school are in focus as well as local landmarks at the heart of the community. The photos are a mix from the YEP archive and others 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 Hunslet, Belle Isle, Middleton and Stourton LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
1. Middleton in the 1970s
A parade of shops on Throstle Lane pictured in January 1974. | YPN Photo: YPN
2. Middleton in the 1970s
The old air raid shelter near the water tower in August 1970. Pictured at the entrance to the shelter is Arthur Sellars, a Leeds Corporation waterworks employee. | YPN Photo: YPN
![]The rear view of brick built cottages on Town Street in September 1974.](https://www.connachttribune.ie/jpim-static/image/2026/05/20/8/00/200454_64156741.jpeg?crop=4:3&trim=&width=499)
3. Middleton in the 1970s
]The rear view of brick built cottages on Town Street in September 1974. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service
4. Middleton in the 1970s
Middleton Broom reclamation site pictured in June 1978. | YPN Photo: YPN
6. Middleton in the 1970s
Middleton Church of England School on Town Street pictured in January 1971. | YPN Photo: YPN