Leeds is a city full of surprises. Beyond its buzzing city centre, iconic shopping arcades, and historical buildings, there’s a treasure trove of quirky stories, strange history, and little-known trivia that give the city its character. Here are some fun and unusual facts about Leeds that you might not know:
1. Leeds Loves Owls
Owls are the unofficial mascots of Leeds. You’ll spot them perched on buildings, statues, and even in the city’s coat of arms. The connection dates back to the 1600s when Sir John Savile, the first alderman of Leeds, included owls on his family crest. There are over 25 owl sculptures and carvings scattered around the city – perfect for a fun scavenger hunt!
2. Leeds Was Once the Centre of the World’s Wool Trade
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Leeds was known as the “wool capital of the world.” Its mills and textile factories produced goods that were shipped across the globe. The city’s wealth and growth during the Victorian era were largely built on this trade, and its legacy is still visible in the architecture of places like the Leeds Corn Exchange and The Bourse.
3. City Varieties Is One of the Oldest Music Halls in the World
City Varieties Music Hall, which opened in 1865, is one of the longest-running music halls in the UK. It hosted countless stars and even featured in the BBC’s “The Good Old Days” for 30 years. It’s still going strong today, offering comedy, music, and pantomime in a beautifully restored Victorian venue.
4. Michael Marks, Co-Founder of Marks & Spencer, Started in Leeds
Marks & Spencer, the famous British retailer, began as a humble market stall in Leeds Kirkgate Market in 1884. Michael Marks, a Jewish immigrant from Belarus, set up the “Penny Bazaar” that later grew into one of Britain’s biggest brands. There’s still an M&S Heritage stall in the market today marking this historic beginning.
5. Leeds Has More Listed Buildings Than Any City Outside London
With over 3,300 listed buildings, Leeds ranks just behind London in terms of historical architecture. From the Gothic Leeds Town Hall to Victorian shopping arcades, the city is a feast for lovers of heritage and design.
6. The World’s First Moving Walkway Was in Leeds
In 1901, Leeds introduced one of the world’s first moving walkways—a conveyor belt people mover known as the “Travelator” in the city’s Merrion Centre. While no longer functioning, it was an early innovation that inspired future airport and metro walkways.
7. Leeds Has a Hidden Music Legacy
Leeds might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of famous bands, but it’s home to several musical icons. The Kaiser Chiefs hail from Leeds, and the city played a part in launching the careers of bands like Soft Cell and The Sisters of Mercy. The Leeds Festival is also one of the UK’s most famous music events.
8. The Armley Mills Was Once the World’s Largest Woollen Mill
Now home to the Leeds Industrial Museum, Armley Mills was once the largest woollen mill in the world. It’s a fascinating site that explores Leeds’s industrial past, and it even has its own 1920s cinema and working textile machinery.
9. Films and TV Shows Are Regularly Shot in Leeds
With its mix of modern and Victorian architecture, Leeds is often used as a filming location. TV shows like “Peaky Blinders,” “The ABC Murders,” and “Downton Abbey” have filmed in and around Leeds. The city also hosts the Leeds International Film Festival, one of the UK’s largest.
10. There’s a Giant Magical Owl in the Library
Inside the Leeds Central Library, you’ll find a large and rather mysterious owl sculpture. Its placement and design have made it a favourite among locals and visitors alike. The building itself is full of beautiful architecture, old maps, and even secret reading rooms.
11. Temple Newsam Is Rumoured to Be Haunted
This historic Tudor-Jacobean mansion, located just outside the city centre, is one of the most famous haunted sites in Leeds. Guests and staff have reported unexplained footsteps, mysterious shadows, and sudden cold spots. Whether you’re into the paranormal or not, it’s worth a visit for the art, gardens, and architecture.
12. Leeds Hosted the Start of the Tour de France
In 2014, Leeds was the starting point for the Grand Départ of the Tour de France, drawing international attention to Yorkshire. The event sparked a cycling boom in the area and led to the creation of new routes, bike shops, and community events across the city and countryside.
13. It’s Home to the Oldest Surviving Subscription Library in the UK
Founded in 1768, the Leeds Library on Commercial Street is the oldest surviving members’ subscription library in the UK. It’s still in operation and remains a peaceful, book-filled haven in the heart of the city.
14. The City Has a Horse Trough That’s Still in Use
In Woodhouse Moor, you can find a historic horse trough that’s still used today—mostly by dogs and the occasional cyclist. It’s a quirky relic from a time when horses were the main mode of transport in the city.
15. A Church Became a Data Centre
The aql data centre, located in a repurposed Salem Chapel near Leeds Dock, is a fascinating blend of history and technology. It’s a stunning example of how Leeds merges old with new: a 19th-century church housing some of the most advanced digital infrastructure in the UK.
