The Prince of Wales Hotel at the corner with Wordsworth Street to the left and Gibbs Street on the right. Pictured in November 1959.placeholder image
The Prince of Wales Hotel at the corner with Wordsworth Street to the left and Gibbs Street on the right. Pictured in November 1959. | West Yorkshire Archive Service

Nostalgic photos take you back to Burley in the 1950s

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 3rd May 2026, 04:30 BST

These nostalgic photos are sure to resonate with a generation of folk who called Burley home back in the day.

They turn back the clock to the 1950s and bring into focus pubs and corner shops as well as local landmarks including Burley Picture House. Row upon row of terraced houses also fall under the spotlight with familiar streets such as Atack Street, Burley Grove, Greystone Street, Bateson Row, Bell's Square and Wordsworth Street all featured. The photos are a mix from West Yorkshire Archive Service and others published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. READ MORE: Leeds in the 1990s - 28 photo gems take you back to Burley and Hyde Park LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

Burley Road in December 1959. A man is in the doorway of 179, this is the junction with Wordsworth Street.

19. Burley in the 1950s

Burley Road in December 1959. A man is in the doorway of 179, this is the junction with Wordsworth Street. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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This area is the rear view of numbers 2, 4 Burley Grove, looking from the end of Bracewell Grove. To the right, not in view is the back of Ventnor Street Methodist Chapel and School room. Pictured in December 1959.

20. Burley in the 1950s

This area is the rear view of numbers 2, 4 Burley Grove, looking from the end of Bracewell Grove. To the right, not in view is the back of Ventnor Street Methodist Chapel and School room. Pictured in December 1959. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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Burley Grove from Bracewell Row in December 1959. On the left side St. Simon Street is just visible.

21. Burley in the 1950s

Burley Grove from Bracewell Row in December 1959. On the left side St. Simon Street is just visible. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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Bell's Square in December 1959. It was located behind Greystone Street.

22. Burley in the 1950s

Bell's Square in December 1959. It was located behind Greystone Street. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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Burley Grove in December 1959. The windows at the right end of the row are at the rear of 26 Lloyd Street. The brick wall at the end is back of houses on Longside Street. Three boys are in the foreground, three girls are also in the street, the one on the right is wearing a pair of adult size high heeled shoes.

23. Burley in the 1950s

Burley Grove in December 1959. The windows at the right end of the row are at the rear of 26 Lloyd Street. The brick wall at the end is back of houses on Longside Street. Three boys are in the foreground, three girls are also in the street, the one on the right is wearing a pair of adult size high heeled shoes. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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A section of Atack Street seen from Wordsworth Street in December 1959. A child stands with a scooter.

24. Burley in the 1950s

A section of Atack Street seen from Wordsworth Street in December 1959. A child stands with a scooter. | West Yorkshire Archive Service Photo: West Yorkshire Archive Service

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