Refulgent photos take you back to Rothwell in the 1960s

The whalebone arch of Rothwell has been a landmark in the town for more than a 100 years.

By the 1960s they were being replaced for the fifth time after the last structure had disintegrated from old age. A 20ft arch was constructed on Wood Lane from the jawbones of a 90 ton whale caught in the arctic. The photo is one of 12 charting a decade in the life of Rothwell and its residents. The 1960s featured the opening of a new shopping precinct in the town as well as a new high school. Both are featured in this wonderful gallery of memories which also include pubs, churches and new stories making the news headlines. They are a mix from the YEP archive and others 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: The fascinating story of a maritime monument became a symbol for Rothwell LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

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