Nostalgic memories of Leeds's local history

Share your own memories of Leeds and read what others have said

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.

Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.

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It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin

Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 15 in total

I remember Leeds best as it was, now the new Buildings are ugly the beautiful area in front of the Civic Hall concreted over in the name of the Millenium they are destroying the beautiful Architecture and building monstrosities the Market is nothing like it used to be stalls closing all the time ,yes the Leeds of the past was wonderful
As a young woman i worked at F C Coleridge ladies fashion shop where Mr Chapman was the manager at the time also one of the ladies names Trudie Halliday who used to sing opera when the shop was empty happy times . Coleridges also had another branch at the bottom of Thorntons Arcade in Briggate named Barringtons where I also worked for a time my name then was Dorothy Jacobs now Appleton .
My mother, Doreen Hall (Nee Bilton), related these memories to me: I started nursing at St James’ Hospital, Leeds (Jimmy's) in 1948. I was 17 years old, the only one straight from school. I didn’t need any qualifications – but I had my school certificate. There were about three months of training before going onto the wards – a training school was attached to the hospital with two tutors; one was ...see more
Worked at Bata shoe store in 1962 /1964 would love to see a pic of this store - was next to Mac Fisheries and near Craven A Cafe. I worked with Gloria Oliver from Wortley. On Sat nights we went to the ladies loos opposite to have a wash and brush up and change our clothes so we could go on our night out! great times.
I lived in Leeds from 1961 to 1965 as a student at the branch college of Commerce. We used to hang out in a coffee shop on New Brigade called the Flamingo.There were other coffee shops such as the Riviera on the same street. I have a lot of memories from the Lewis's department store, especially the basement where I had lunch sometimes. Another good place to eat on the new Brigade was Delmor restaurant where the food was really great.
This is a very evocative photo, bringing back many memories. I would point out that the image is of Leeds Town Hall not City Hall, Leeds has a Town Hall and a Civic Hall but not a City Hall.
I lived in Leeds from birth in 1958 to the time I left in 1977 to seek my fortune in London. Still here but as poor as when I left Leeds all those years ago. Lewis's for me was the best shopping store in Leeds I used to go there when I played truant from school occasionally and loved going up and down the escalators from basement food hall to toy dept on the 4th floor. I went back in 2010 after all those years ...see more
My mother was born in Leeds and most years we would spend some time there. I came to love Leeds; such a vibrant place compared to Lincoln where we lived. This picture evokes a lot of feeling. From the V J celebrations in 1945 onwards we often stayed at Parker's Commercial Hotel opposite the Grand Theatre. It can just be seen in this picture on the left hand side (adjoining Wilsons Commercial Hotel). The hotel ...see more
Does anyone remember Hart's Department Store which used to be next to Matthias Robinsons? I remember going to Leeds from Ilkley on many Saturday afternoons - pre-war - the car was parked behind Lewis's! Shopping done and afternoon tea taken at a reserved window table at Matthias Robinsons - lovely orchestra playing in the background. However, I do remember Hart's next door and wondered if this was the inspiration of ...see more
In 1982 I bought my first VHS camera and with my friend, Leeds resident Steve Skinner, we shot our first amateur video called, "The Man With A Mountain On His Head." It was filmed in a day, entirely in the Leeds area, and "edited in camera". The video won first prize at a film competition and led to my career as a writer-director. My little film can now be seen on my ...see more