It’s the landmark where you could spend a penny. Yet mystery remained in the 1990s over one of the most unusual outside toilets in Leeds. Nobody knew who built the miniature castle shaped lavatory in Headingley - but it was only one of two outside toilets in the city deemed to be of outstanding architectural merit. The grade II listed building, in the tradition of a Victorian folly, stood close to a busy shopping centre in Alma Cottages. Even owner Doris Stead did not know who the original builder was, but said it was all the more beautiful for its battlements. Headingley amateur historian Janet Douglas could spread a little more light on the issue. She said the street was named after the Battle of Alma, a famous victory by the British and French forces over the Russians during the Crimean War in 1854. The photo of owner Doris is one of 12 digitised for the first time from the Yorkshire Evening Post archive charting a decade of memories around the suburb during the 1990s. Other news stories brought into focus during the decade include controversial plans to build a ‘super pub’ in the heart of the community. 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
1. Headingley in the 1990s
Owner Doris Stead pictured outside the outside toilets at Alma Cottages in March 1993. | YPN Photo: YPN
2. Headingley in the 1990s
June 1992 and pub operators Bass hit back at critics who coined the phrase 'superpub' for a new £1.5 million development planned for Headingley. Bass Taverns were based a short distance from the old Yorkshire Water pumping station on North Lane which they wanted to transform into a 'traditional' pub. | YPN Photo: YPN
3. Headingley in the 1990s
Planning committee members and residents check plans in July 1992 to turn a former water pumping station into a huge pub. Councillors later agreed they did not want the scheme to go ahead. | YPN Photo: YPN
4. Headingley in the 1990s
August 1992 and residents were 'outraged' that a new counselling centre for drugs users had opened near their homes. Homeowners wanted the Leeds Drug Project on St Michael's Lane -which offered advice on drug problems - moved out of the area. | YPN Photo: YPN
5. Heradingley in the 1990s
Shops on St Anne's Parade pictured in July 1992. | YPN Photo: YPN
6. Headingley in the 1990s
Orchard Court residents enjoy a cuppa and a cake as well as some laughs. | YPN Photo: YPN