It was a year a city suburb said goodbye to a landmark which had stood proud in the heart of the community before mother nature had her say. Headingley’s Shire Oak had stood tall and proud for 1,000 years before eventually succumb to its age, finally collapsing. This was Leeds in 1941, a year which featured a city brought to its knees by air raids and children enjoying 'seaside' entertainment at Roundhay Park. These photos are 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: 33 closed Leeds pubs which will stir fond memories for drinkers LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
5. Cross Gates
A section of the Ring Road at Cross Gates. In the background is a fairground roundabout covered in tarpaulin. A caravan is parked next to it. The fair is on the site of the current Red Lion public house, formerly known as the Traveller's Rest. Soon after the Second World War the land housed a day nursery, prior to the building of the Traveller's Rest. The building at the back is the Regal Cinema, which opened in November 1936 and closed in January 1964. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Harehills
An air raid shelter, situated opposite the Shaftesbury Cinema, junction of York Road and Harehills Lane in November 1941. The entrance to the shelter can be seen on the left. A series of metal air vents mark the path of the underground construction. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
7. Leeds city centre
Eastgate roundabout looking in the direction of St. Peter's Street with the Parish Church in the background. Appleyard's petrol filling station occupies the centre of the roundabout. Black and white markings on the kerb are an indication of wartime. Pictured in June 1941 | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
8. Leeds city centre
The Yorkshire Hussar Public House at bottom of Eastgate in November 1941. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net