Photo gems celebrate life on Boar Lane in the 1950s

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 6th Sep 2022, 04:45 BST

Updated 4th Jan 2023, 11:17 BST

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These photos provide a fascinating glimpse into life on Boar Lane in the 1950s.

Shops, pubs, restaurant and trams are all in this focus in this gallery from a decade on the Leeds city centre street familiar to generations of residents and visitors. They are published courtesy of the Tramway Museum Society 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: Nostalgic photos capture life around Leeds in 1955 LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

A police officer directs the traffic in Boar Lane in June 1959 at the busy junctions with Bishopgate Street where cars are visible towards the left, and Wellington Street, far right.

1. Boar Lane in the 1950s

A police officer directs the traffic in Boar Lane in June 1959 at the busy junctions with Bishopgate Street where cars are visible towards the left, and Wellington Street, far right. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Looking east along Boar Lane in September 1955 showing tram no.587 on route 15 to Whingate. Shops on the left include Elster Shoes, the White Rose Milk Bar, Lancashire & Yorkshire Stationery Co. Ltd. and Spinks restaurant, while among those on the right is Fairburn's White Horse restaurant.

2. Boar Lane in the 1950s

Looking east along Boar Lane in September 1955 showing tram no.587 on route 15 to Whingate. Shops on the left include Elster Shoes, the White Rose Milk Bar, Lancashire & Yorkshire Stationery Co. Ltd. and Spinks restaurant, while among those on the right is Fairburn's White Horse restaurant. Photo: Tramway Museum Society

Trams on Boar Lane in July 1953. No.527 in front is on route 20 to Halton, while no.545 is on route 15 to Whingate. In the background is tram no.275. Shops on the left include Tatler cinema, F.G. Abe & Co., stationers and printers, and Albert Cowling's Wine Lodge.

3. Boar Lane in the 1950s

Trams on Boar Lane in July 1953. No.527 in front is on route 20 to Halton, while no.545 is on route 15 to Whingate. In the background is tram no.275. Shops on the left include Tatler cinema, F.G. Abe & Co., stationers and printers, and Albert Cowling's Wine Lodge. Photo: Tramway Museum Society

An elevated view of Boar Lane in March 1956, showing Holy Trinity Church on the left and J. Jones, furriers, on the right. This building has the name 'Trinity House' on a plaque on the roof corner; whether the building originally had any connection to Holy Trinity Church, or was just so named because it was next to it, is unclear at present.

4. Boar Lane in the 1950s

An elevated view of Boar Lane in March 1956, showing Holy Trinity Church on the left and J. Jones, furriers, on the right. This building has the name 'Trinity House' on a plaque on the roof corner; whether the building originally had any connection to Holy Trinity Church, or was just so named because it was next to it, is unclear at present. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Boar Lane in March 1956 showing Holy Trinity Church and J. Jones, Furriers.

5. Boar Lane in the 1950s

Boar Lane in March 1956 showing Holy Trinity Church and J. Jones, Furriers. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Boar Lane at night in July 1956. Pictured is the last car on route 16 to New Inn, Wortley.

6. Boar Lane in the 1950s

Boar Lane at night in July 1956. Pictured is the last car on route 16 to New Inn, Wortley. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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