AS York's skyline becomes increasingly dominated by new apartment blocks and hotels,

today we take a look back at the days when slums, mill chimneys and river docks were a more common sight.

Our main picture shows a group of children gathered in one of the narrow streets of the Hungate area of York.

This area between Stonebow and the River Foss was once home to hundreds of people who lived in terraced housing which has now been pulled down.

Slum conditions there at the turn of the 20th century were highlighted by social reformer Benjamin Seebohm Rowntree in his report Poverty - a study of town life.

Today, re-development of the area is set to include new homes, small businesses and a riverside piazza.

At the back of the picture, dominating the streetscene, is Leetham's Mill, itself now converted into homes and known as Rowntree Wharf. Our second photograph gives a closer view of the mill and a boat moored outside.

The third photograph shows a section of the River Ouse looking up from what is now the edge of the Viking Moathouse hotel towards Lendal Bridge.

The tall building next to the bridge was originally the home of Rowntree's Cocoa Works, before the company moved to its factory in Haxby Road.

The familiar chimneys of the main railway offices can be seen at the back on the left of the picture, but the rest of the scene, showing warehouses, has long since been replaced by a riverside walk leading to the Norwich Union offices.

Our fourth photograph shows the scene around Castle Mills bridge, which is now dominated by the new hotels and apartments of Piccadilly. The photo shows Fishergate and the River Foss winding their way up into the distance.

Copies of pictures from the past can be ordered from the Evening Press.

A print measuring 7x5 costs £5 with 50p postage and packing. A 10x7 costs £7 (50p p+p), or a 12x8 costs £10 (£ p+p). Finally, a 16x10 costs £17, also with £1 p+p.

All sizes are approximate. Payment by cheque should be made to York & County Press then sent to Photographers, Evening Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York. YO1 9YN.

Alternatively, call photosales on 01904 567135.

Updated: 09:47 Friday, September 06, 2002