Leeds was developed as a simple market town in the Middle Ages as part of the local agricultural economy. Before the Industrial Revolution, it became a coordination centre for the manufacture of woollen cloth, however afterwards, it was wholly transformed into a major city of industry which was commonly known as ‘the city that made everything’. Since the late 19th century, the Leeds borders have expanded to envelop neighbouring towns. Now, with a growing population of over 780,000, Leeds continues to make a positive contribution to the British economy through industry, education and innovation.
Leeds is highly regarded as a forward-thinking city, and with the introduction of the country’s first urban motorway and the first ever commercial railway, in addition to ground-breaking scientific developments in DNA structure in the 20th century, it’s no secret as to why. Other notable focal points associated with the city include housing the country’s most northerly commercial vineyard and the UK’s last gas lit cinema. Leeds continue to grow and develop for economic and environmental prosperity thanks to its 3.5 million square feet of retail floor space and its proud ranking of sixth place in the list of Britain’s ‘greenest’ cities based on environmental performance and quality of life.
