Leeds the commercial and cultural capital of the North, is a large and prosperous city, centrally situated in the North of England. Leeds has long been known for its extensive manufacturing base, which is still going strong.
For centuries Leeds has offered people the opportunity to find work within the city, and today it has a population of over 700,000 and is home to people of 75 nationalities. Leeds can rightly claim to be a cosmopolitan city, where international visitors will find a great atmosphere, lots to see and do and a warm Yorkshire welcome.
Many industries have contributed to the wealth of Leeds, particularly the clothing trade, for which the city is famous. Several famous names are associated with the city, Thomas Chippendale began creating furniture here, and Michael Marks opened his first Penny Bazaar in 1884. Montague Burton opened the largest clothing factory in Europe, and Waddingtons the makers of the famous board game ‘Monopoly’ was founded in Leeds.Leeds has undergone a transformation in recent years. Gone are the blackened buildings of the past, now restored to their original Victorian splendour. Most prominent is Leeds Town Hall, designed by Cuthbert Brodrick, opened in 1858 by Queen Victoria, home of the triennial Leeds international piano competition and the annual international concert season.
Other places of interest to visit – The Royal Armories Museum, purpose built to house the Royal Armouries' national collection of arms and armour. Leeds City Art Gallery displays one of the best collections outside London. The Henry Moore Institute shows temporary exhibitions of sculpture. Leeds City Museum, Armley Mills Industrial Museum and Kirkstall Abbey dating from medieval times and the Jacobean, Temple Newsam House containing paintings and artifacts from the City Art Gallery.
Leeds has many fine Hotels, both modern and traditional. Restaurants, Brasseries and café-bars, to enjoy international cuisine, or sample traditional English fare at the original ‘Harry Ramsdens’ just a few miles out of town. There are a variety of clubs and pubs, many with live music from a variety of cultures.
