Secret Leeds reveals aerial photos of 1951 Leeds

On By leeds11

 

A blog called Secret Leeds has published a cache of photographs taken by the RAF in 1951.

The photos are taken on a series of “runs” across the city and appear to be part of a national survey – a early version of Google Earth! The photos were hidden away in an archive and nearly thrown out.

Dewsbury Road and the Tommy Wass pub. Photo courtesy of Secret Leeds
Dewsbury Road and the Tommy Wass pub (top left). Photo courtesy of Secret Leeds

Secret Leeds is a blog “dedicated to investigating quirky, unusual or mysterious aspects of the built environment of the city of Leeds, both past and present”. They were handed the photos and have posted them here.

Our part of the city appears on Flight Lines 3, 4 and 6 (you have to keep scrolling down quite a long way). Holbeck and Hunslet look very different with no motorway and with manufacturing industry intact. Beeston is a little easier to recognise with landmarks such as Cross Flatts Park to guide you.

The photos of South Leeds haven’t been haven’t been annotated yet and I’m sure the people at Secret Leeds would appreciate any help – so if you recognise buildings or streets do send them a comment.

Do the photos bring back memories of life before the motorways? Do tell us in the comments section below.

6 Replies to “Secret Leeds reveals aerial photos of 1951 Leeds”

  1. I recognise many aspects of the photograph. Where I used to live (Park Wood Road) and the Southleigh Golf Course 12th Fairway. The Middleton Railway that ran down to the Pit. The couple of bridges that I crossed over and more precariously, under when I was a kid and impervious to danger, The Tommy Wass public house and The Rex Cinema. The main Leeds to London railway part of the LNER. The field at the end of Park Wood Road where we used to go train spotting and picnicking, great days. Also in view the Allenby’s and Southleighs. At the front of the photograph Old Fred’s pig pens and allotments. Old Fred actually lived in one of the sheds he had built himself. I was about two years old when this photograph was taken!
    Great memories Colin Hendrick Ward

    1. Yes, it is the brother of Warwick who’s living in Newcastle. I seem to remember you lived at 55 Park Wood Road and we knocked about together until secondary school and you went off to Cockburn and me to Parkside. Good to hear from you! Maybe we can meet up and chat about days gone by?
      My telephone number is Leeds 2770350
      Best regards Colin

  3. St David’s Church is missing off the photo. Anyone know when St David’s was built?

    1. St David’s was built in 1961 and the Architect Geoffrey Davey won the Hoffman Gold Medal for his superb design. The medal was presented to St. David’s upon Mr Davey’s death and is now displayed in the church.The church is a holy place where we pray and worship together. Although the congregation are not high in numbers, there is a special atmosphere where the presence of God is clearly experienced.
      Best regards Colin Hendrick Ward

  4. Diane

    ‘St David’s was built in 1961 and the Architect Geoffrey Davey won the Hoffman Gold Medal for his superb design. The medal was presented to St. David’s upon Mr Davey’s death and is now displayed in the church.’

    From St David’s website

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