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
7. Rothwell in the 1960s
Holy Trinity churchyard pictured in January 1969. The graves were overgrown and many of the gravestones had sunk as much as 3ft. | YPN Photo: YPN
8. Rothwell in the 1960s
The newly-opened Rothwell Secondary Modern (Royds) School taken from Pennington Lane pictured in September 1969. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Rothwell in the 1960s
The entrance to Springhead Park taken from Gillet Lane with Park Lane just visible beyond Rothwell Beck (River Dolphin). Pictured in September 1969. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
10. Rothwell in the 1960s
Holy Trinity Church taken from Church Street with Ingram Parade on the right. The White Swan pub is on the right. Pictured in September 1969. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
11. Rothwell in the 1960s
The Shopping Precinct showing the newly built modern precinct with paving and benches. Shops include laundrette, Marlowe dry cleaning centre (now Johnson's dry cleaning) and Department of Social Security Employment Centre. Pictured in September 1969. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
12. Rothwell in the 1960s
Inside Rothwell Parish Church looking towards the altar. The elaborate carved bench ends in the body of the church date from 1858, the pulpit from 1862 and the reading desk, lectern and choir stalls apparently from 1867. Pictured in September 1969. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net