Nostalgic Images of Life in 1970s Leeds

Step back in time with these captivating vintage color photographs that offer a glimpse into life in Leeds during the 1970s. Taken by Eric Miles, the images provide a unique perspective on the city's past, showcasing the people, places, and everyday moments that defined the era. From bustling streets to intimate portraits, these photographs offer a fascinating look at a bygone time in Leeds' history.

[@anonnemo2504]

Change is not always for the better. Thanks for the memories!

[@easydrive3662]

Gosh leeds is so different now, it has a very big city feel with tall skyscraper buildings and a major financial sector to it, currently dozens of cranes up constructing new talls

[@cluds136]

The bus is the wrong colour for the West Yorkshire and Debenhams was on Briggate. Lewis's was on the Headrow, not visible from where the photo was taken.

[@tonybaloney4195]

Those were the days

[@andyhudson3495]

Got my first tattoo in Burley. Up that steep set of steps and turn right 😂. Great days. So many great memories

[@leoncsorba9085]

I went to University there, another world. Better than the horrible 2020s.

[@brightsunshinyday]

Leeds Permanent Building Society Head Office was always at the bottom of the Headrow - so I'm not sure about your caption regarding the site in Kirkgate Market (at 29 seconds). I don't remember it ever having been there and I didn't leave the area until 1978. The Leeds Exhibition Centre in City Square - was that in the old Majestic Cinema building (saw Mary Poppins there as a child) - subsequently becoming a bingo hall?

[@eileenflannigan709]

The old Majestic Cinema building (now Channel 4 offices) is located further round City Square. The building at 8:30 is on the corner between Bishopsgate Street and Boar Lane. You can see the left-hand edge of the Queens Hotel and train station entrance to the right of the frame.

[@roundtheloopandback]

Thing is though, yes its changed but if i took you to some of these locations today, they look almost identical, the loss of the market being a market, and butchers and florist row in the last 20 years is pretty unfortunate, when I came to leeds in 2003 these were some of the areas I used the most to buy food etc because it was just better than the supermarket.

[@davidcolley7714]

So much better now

[@rrstows3522]

😂not

[@davidcolley7714]

@@rrstows3522 Well if liked the filthy city of the past then what an idiot you are

[@SunofYork]

Inside toilets, central heating and no smallpox or rickets or polio... and no shiny magazines fir toilet paper... Today's KZbin moaners wouldn't survive

[@TPT6148]

Looks more like Dar es Salaam these days!

[@rrstows3522]

😢 same with Durham and Newcastle , better before in 72 . But there you go nostalgic was 18 then . Excellent time

[@harri2626]

The image at 1m 29s is Commercial Street, not Lower Briggate.

[@History-in-Film]

I was wrong. Thanks for pointing out.

[@philoshaughnessy906]

Great pictures but the music is a bit morose

[@Rich-ng3yy]

It seems from the comments Leeds looks largely different but it should be remembered it wasn't all that long ago and not much changes

[@MrsH296]

Should’ve had a Voice Over with a Leeds accent

[@adrianhepton9362]

Great images. Annoying imusic. This was in the days before the big. Ugly and dangerous suvs appeared

[@jiggersotoole7823]

I'm watching it with the sound off. And don't get me started on suvs.

[@thekashman4566]

I am sure,most of the people there supported Leeds United football club at that time.⚽️ 👍

[@Robby334]

I came to Leeds in 1973 how it has changed now, I might say not for the better.

[@paulbarrett22]

city centre is much better ,the surrounding areas are an absolute disgrace

[@Robby334]

@@paulbarrett22 your quite right there

[@SunofYork]

Get back in your dinghy then....

[@miahfost]

The music is so freaky. 😂

[@bibakroll8999]

As the narration! Why an American? He can't even pronounce the names properly.

[@schenker59]

Yeah music? Uncalled for.😢

[@SunofYork]

I joined Leeds City Police on Friday 13th October 1967. It isn't history to me.

[@katetuer8394]

It’s a record of an era that’s passed - ergo, history. I’ve had to teach 9/11 as history, so this definitely counts - sorry!😂

[@piano40s]

In 1967 people had respect for the Police today is different times have changed it was better in 1967 than today, but all older people say that, maybe I am old and haven't realised it yet.

[@piano40s]

I was in School in the 60s and 70s History is a favourite subject of mine, all I got taught at school was past Kings and Queens of England, I only learned history after I left School and at 67 am still learning.

[@SunofYork]

@@piano40s I was at grammar school 1959 on.. I learned English and Maths and geography and biology and French. It isn't too late for you