These photos rewind to July 1941 when Elland Road welcomed Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden. Thousands turned out to listen to the politician and had queued for up to three hours before he arrived. When the gates opened at 1.30pm, the Yorkshire Evening News reported that "the place soon took on a semblance of a trek to a peace-time football cup-tie, as people arrived by tram, car and on foot". When he addressed the crowd two Spitfires planes roared over the city in honour of his visit. These photos are published courtesy of 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: The ups and downs of Elland Road down the decades LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
![Anthony Eden is accompanied by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Alderman Willie Withey.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTIyMTE1NzM0.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
1. Anthony Eden at Elland Road
Anthony Eden is accompanied by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Alderman Willie Withey. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
![Anthony Eden greets the crowds.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTIyMTE1NzM1.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
![Anthony Eden (centre) observes a series of military parades.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTIyMTE1NzM2.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
3. Anthony Eden at Elland Road
Anthony Eden (centre) observes a series of military parades. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
![Anthony Eden addresses the crowds. He had arrived in Leeds by air and enjoyed lunch at Leeds Civic Hall before heading to Elland Road.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTIyMTE1NzM3.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
4. Anthony Eden at Elland Road
Anthony Eden addresses the crowds. He had arrived in Leeds by air and enjoyed lunch at Leeds Civic Hall before heading to Elland Road. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
![Anthony Eden observes a march past of troops.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTIyMTE1NzM4.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
5. Anthony Eden at Elland Road
Anthony Eden observes a march past of troops. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
![The men, women and children appear to be in good spirits as they smile for the camera.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTIyMTE1NzM5.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
6. Anthony Eden at Elland Road
The men, women and children appear to be in good spirits as they smile for the camera. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net