A member of the public lays some flowers outside the Yorkshire Evening Post in memory of Diana Princess of Wales.placeholder image
A member of the public lays some flowers outside the Yorkshire Evening Post in memory of Diana Princess of Wales. | Justin Lloyd

Poignant photos take you back to Leeds in the early autumn of 1997

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 16th Sep 2025, 04:45 GMT

These poignant photos chart 30 days in the life of your Leeds in the early autumn of 1997.

They turn back the clock to September of that year with the sudden and unexpected death of Diana, Princess of Wales providing a sombre backdrop as residents went about their daily business. The public paid their respects taking a moment to reflect in the enormity of the tragedy. The main photo is one of 22 showcasing life across Leeds during the month. City centre landmarks are featured as well as other stories making the news around the suburbs with Hunslet, Garforth, Crossgates and Otley in focus. READ MORE: Unseen photos chart of a golden age of Leeds pub culture LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

Free fish and chips were enjoyed at Harry Ramsden's by children who took part in West Yorkshire Police's 'Leeds Lifestyle' scheme. Pictured are Sally Germain, Laura Hutchinson and Frances Heap.

19. Guiseley

Free fish and chips were enjoyed at Harry Ramsden's by children who took part in West Yorkshire Police's 'Leeds Lifestyle' scheme. Pictured are Sally Germain, Laura Hutchinson and Frances Heap. | YPN Photo: YPN

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The Queens Hotel hosted the Northern Regional Scrabble Final. Pictured are local contestants, Helen Grayson (left) and Jacky Lawson.

20. Leeds city centre

The Queens Hotel hosted the Northern Regional Scrabble Final. Pictured are local contestants, Helen Grayson (left) and Jacky Lawson. | Dan Oxtoby Photo: Dan Oxtoby

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Leeds Women's Aid released 25 silver balloons on the steps of Leeds Civic Hall to mark their 25th anniversary. They were at the time the largest domestic violence refuge in the country.

21. Leeds city centre

Leeds Women's Aid released 25 silver balloons on the steps of Leeds Civic Hall to mark their 25th anniversary. They were at the time the largest domestic violence refuge in the country. | Roy Fox Photo: Roy Fox

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Pupils at Royal Park School were celebrating after it was saved from closure. They are pictured with headteacher Rita Samuel.

22. Hyde Park

Pupils at Royal Park School were celebrating after it was saved from closure. They are pictured with headteacher Rita Samuel. | YPN Photo: YPN

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Otley Town who played in Division 1 of the West Riding County Amateur League. Back row, from left, are Ben Kelly, Declan Shilton, Lee Grice, Ian Wolfenden, Adrian Atter, Andrew Redman, Mark Currie and Paul North. Front row, from left, are Graeme Hutchinson, Paul Danskin, Mark Nithsdale, Ross Barron, Richard Danskin and Paul Farmery.

23. Otley

Otley Town who played in Division 1 of the West Riding County Amateur League. Back row, from left, are Ben Kelly, Declan Shilton, Lee Grice, Ian Wolfenden, Adrian Atter, Andrew Redman, Mark Currie and Paul North. Front row, from left, are Graeme Hutchinson, Paul Danskin, Mark Nithsdale, Ross Barron, Richard Danskin and Paul Farmery. | Roy Fox Photo: Roy Fox

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Share your memories of Leeds in September 1997 with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: andrew.hutchinson@jpress.co.uk or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN

24. Enjoyed this gallery?

Share your memories of Leeds in September 1997 with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN | Keith Allison Photo: Keith Allison

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