An illustrated history of the iconic Leeds-based bus operator, Ledgard of Leeds, by Stuart Emmett.
Samuel Ledgard first began operating coach services from Leeds to the seaside resorts of Scarborough and Blackpool in 1912. Although the First World War stopped expansion, in 1920 the coastal services were resumed and Ledgard’s operations began to grow, acquiring many other local bus operators in the process.
After Samuel’s death in 1952, his son embarked on a new policy of buying mainly second-hand buses – in the next 15 years only 13 new vehicles were bought, but over 170 second-hand buses joined the fleet. This policy gave Ledgard a more diverse and interesting fleets than any other operator of comparable size.
Ledgard of Leeds Buses focuses on the 1950s and 1960s, this being a most interesting period in the company’s history. It begins with a brief history of the company and the bus routes on which it operated. it then goes on to examine the fleet, covering the substantial number of former London Daimler buses that ran on all but two of the double-decker routes, as well as other double deck types, single deckers and the unusual low-bridge double deckers.
The book includes over 160 photographs which will undoubtedly rekindle memories for those fortunate enough to have known Ledgards, or give an insight into these charming vehicles for the many others who were never able to experience them first-hand. 96 pages