Lost Leeds Central Station

Central Railway Station in Leeds existed from 1854 to 1967 and was one of the city's main railway stations. Today, there are only a few clues to show that it ever existed. This video describes the history of the station, shows the developments that have replaced it, and points out the remaining clues that can be found in this part of Leeds.

0:00 Introduction
0:47 Leeds railway stations in the past
1:20 Leeds Central Railway Station
2:07 Where was Leeds Central Station?
2:56 Northern Street
4:04 History of Wellington Place Leeds
4:45 Monk Bridge Viaduct Leeds
5:12 Wellington Place development
5:46 Former GNR and Wellesley Hotel
6:21 Remaining clues
7:01 Whitehall Road Leeds

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[stephenhodgson]

My mum used to work in the tea rooms in Central station. when she got the job she had to go to London for two weeks to be trained into how to make the tea in the way the railways wanted it made. She met my dad there, he worked as a shunter at Copley Hill further up the line and he would get lifts on goods trains into work and back.

[Skol]

Great series, thanks. My works xmas party was held at the Wellesley in about '89. And I spent many happy hours in La Grillade, under the hotel, undoubtedly one of the best of the old Leeds restaurants (and one of the relatively few, compared to today!)

[trevormegson]

I've worked around this area for many years now. It has been fascinating to watch this history.
Thank you.

[yorkiesteve]

In the summer of 1975, the company I was working for (Sir Robert McAlpine) rented the land where the old goods yards once stood, a gang of Joiners were based there for a couple of months to make the shutters up for the floor levels at the new Bond Street Centre, we were at the far end, right next to the Y.E.P. building, I remembered noticing that they hadn't knocked the wall down that seperated the yard from the Y.E.P. and it still stands today. I was apprentice Joiner, and I was obsessed with watching the temperature rising on the clock display on the Y.E.P. tower every day, those were the days when we had proper weather, summers that caused droughts every year, it was like someone switched the sun on in May, and didn't turn it off again until back end of August, my time in that yard is a memory that has stayed with me for 45 years, happy days that are so far away from the nightmares of today.

[obscurazone]

Your videos are such a joy! I live in the Netherlands now but I'm from Leeds originally, so its so lovely hearing a familiar voice and seeing how the city has changed. You're a wonderful presenter and editor keep up the great work.

[nigelarmitage]

I always enjoy your films, thanks for this one. Also remaining from Leeds Central is the Wagon Lift building amidst the shiny new glass and steel!

[robertedwardz]

I work around this area. It's good to know the history. I know there is still a tower near the green space where I work . But always wanted to know the exact location of the station? Now I know, thank you.

[johnnygorner]

Fabulous video. Leeds born and raised since 1971. Brings back a few early memories of landmarks, keep up the good work

[NorthernNerk]

I used to work in the Central Square office block in 2021. Nobody but me knew of the station's history to my knowledge but the photo of the station was my computer wallpaper for about 4 months 😅

[fredthebass]

What a treat these videos are! Thank you for all the hard work you put in to make them so enjoyable and informative.

[BevMattocks]

I remember Central Station as a child in the 1960s. We'd catch the train to Bradford from it. I also remember the old Leeds City Station from the early 1960s when steam trains were still running. I remember hiding behind a bench to get away from the noisy dirty loco!

[michaelstansfield]

I used to catch the tram deom Compton Lane to go train spotting at Central. Fell in love with anything GNR, LNER and BR engines. Peppercorn's A1's looked magnificent simmering away at the buffer stops as one entered. Even 'Meld & Crepello' looked magnificent as the Deltics worked their way in. Sneaking round Copley Hill, 56C I think, gives me goose bumps even to this day. Magnificent A4, 2 & 1's from ground level and their gigantic driving wheels. A moment in time lost

[frogandspanner]

I have vague memories of Central Station - I think we used it when visiting friends in Keighley.

But Leeds City was the main station we used, with grandparents taking me and my brother on seaside trips. I remember walking up the wonderful art deco concourse, with barriers to the right. Trains were mostly steam, but I remember dad taking me to the station to see a new fangled diesel train.

[dianeknight]

I remember my Brother and I being really excited if we were going anywhere by train. There was a big lettering machine on the platform and for 1d you could print your name out on a piece of tin. Dad always provided the penny and helped us turn the big dial to each letter. It was always the highlight of our visit. My Brother for some odd reason liked to ride in the parcel shelf in the carriage. Many happy memories of the station.

[MartinJames]

I remember Central Station between 1958 and 1961. It was tatty, dirty and badly maintained in those days, and a great contrast with City Station which was well cared for. Central seemed doomed for the chop well before it actually happened.

[MrDodgedollar]

Yes brilliant insight into the former Station Site.. I own an apartment in Westpoint which is right on the footprint of the Passenger Station

[safirahmed]

If the planners had known about increased demand for rail services in future decades, the Leeds Central Station could have formed part of Leeds City Station.

[yvonnefarrell]

This is a great insight. God forbid that area become the High Line. It is nice to see multistory buildings in place there.

[jonathanhall]

Very interesting Film. I worked at Royal Mail House from 1989 to 98.

[paul]

I have always liked this area of the city, and whilst it has certainly changed, it still has character. A very enjoyable video.