Last weekend went went to Leeds to see a concert by the magnificent Bad Company, fronted by the voice of rock, Paul Rodgers. Of course I thought about
Amy and Love Made My Home while I was there and took some photos.
The magnificent Kirkgate Market stands on the site of an earlier market. Originally it was the home of Leeds vicarage but a fruit, vegetable and cattle market was begun there. In 1857 the city erected a covered market but it was swept away in 1904 to make way for the spectacular building you see today. If anyone happens to be in the area, the wool shop on the right offers very good value!
While you're in the market you might spot this, because Kirkgate is where Mr Marks and Mr Spencer first got together to launch their now internationally-regarded chain of stores. This isn't just any market..........
Just down the road you'll find the magnificent Corn Exchange, now a collection of little independent shops and a gallery space, but once the place where merchants gathered to agree the price of grain. The domed roof was designed to allow in as much as possible of the clean, northern light, because it gave a true image of the goods being traded. Built in 1861 and in use until the 1950s.
It wasn't just pure grain that was traded. Local (ish) brewer John Smith needed malt to produce his fine ales and so had an office in the Leeds Corn Exchange where experts could assess and buy what was required.
If you look very carefully at the photo of the Corn Exchange roof you will see a coat of arms, and if you have extremely good eyesight you might be able to make out a pair of owls that flank it. There are owls all over the city. This one is outside the town hall. (And I admit I took the picture on an earlier trip to Leeds a couple of years ago.)
Now please drop by at
Amy's blog to see what other fives have been featured there this week.
I've never been to Leeds (but been through it via the train, does not count), so interesting to see the pictures. The owl is marvellous and I do love proper markets. I like your 'this isn't just any market...'
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend.
Wow, the Corn Exchange is a magnificent building. I have only passed through Leeds on a train but I would like to explore the City one day. The Market looks a great place to shop. xx
ReplyDeleteHope you had a good time at your concert! Your photos look wonderful. How nice to see that Marks & Spencers - so interesting. The Corn Exchange looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHappy Five on Friday
How amazing to see the humble store that started such a famous chain. The domes roof looks spectacular. A great five.
ReplyDeleteWonderful ironwork in that old covered market and the domed roof of the Corn Exchange is beautiful. Thanks for the information about the reason why it was designed that way. I've only just found a great wool shop in our city's new covered market. We lost the old one and the new one has been located to a different area. These markets have an interesting history.
ReplyDeleteThe roof of Corn Exchange is a wonderful architectural masterpiece!
ReplyDeleteWow the Corn Exchange is incredible. I rather like the design of that owl.
ReplyDeleteOooh this brought back lots of happy memories of being taken to Leeds shopping as a special treat when I was a child, thank you. Kirkgate market looks very smart today.
ReplyDeleteHave t been to Leeds for so very many years. Great memory provoking post. Thank you
ReplyDeleteThe domed roof is spectacular to see! Thanks for sharing the photos and some history, too.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your photos, great covered markets. Haven't heard Bad Company in years, didn't know they were still together.
ReplyDeleteThey've got back together for this tour. They're calling it their Swan Song Tour - but that was their recording label, of course.
DeleteI want to go there. Your posts always remind me of what a boring life I've been leading. Must get on the road, come spring.
ReplyDeleteI love owls! This one is gorgeous. Spectacular roof. I love markets (leave the money at home)!!! Fun post.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason I can't see any of your photos, but I have been to Leeds and agree it is asn impressive city. I was struck by how many students there were!
ReplyDeleteSorry you can't see them. You can track down the originals at my Flickr account.
DeleteA fascinating five. I visited a few years ago and was mightily impressed. Love the corn exchange roof and the owls :) B
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting 5 about markets and exchanges - things in existence long before we were, yet continuing to have great influence on our everyday lives.
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