United Kingdom, Leeds

Leeds is the third biggest city in England. It is the financial capital of the North apart from Edinburgh of course). It is beautifully located on the River Aires and is one of the major cities in West Yorkshire. Over the last decade Leeds has undergone quick transformation from a northern industrial city into one of the most vibrant and successful cities in the UK.

History

It originated as a small Saxon village on the banks of the River Aires and was first mentioned in the Doomsday Book in 1086 when it had an estimated population of around 200 people.

Leeds grew much larger in the 16th century. That was mainly due to the rapid growth or a woollen cloth industry in the town. The amount of cloth made in Leeds boomed and the population soared. By the late 16th century the population of Leeds had reached 3,000 and by the middle of the 17th century were probably about 6,000.

In the 18th century wool manufacture was still the lifeblood of Leeds but there were other industries. Leeds pottery began in 1770. There was also a brick making industry.

In 1863 a corn exchange was built where grain was bought and sold. In 1824 a dispensary opened where the poor could obtain free medicines.

In the 1920s the first council houses were built in Leeds. More were built in the 1930s. In 1925 St James Hospital was founded. In 1933 Leeds Civic Hall was built.

During World War II 77 people were killed by bombs and 197 buildings were destroyed in Leeds.

Geography & Demographics

Leeds is the second largest metropolitan district in the UK. Located in West Yorkshire, The Metropolitan Area of Leeds is located in the County of in The Northern Counties of England, it covers an administrative area of 552Km² and in 2001 was home to a population of 719,600 persons, that represents 1.46% of that of England and 1.22% of the population of the entire United Kingdom.

The population of Leeds itself is 466,000.

Economy

The local economy of the region is undergoing a rapid development, Leeds fast becoming one of the most successful cities in Europe.

This town has gained prominence in financial and legal services with over 30 national and international banks having their base in the city and several law firms which now ranked amongst top ten firms in the UK.

People are attracted by the economic success and the quality of life offered by Leeds.

Culture

The city's central positioning - midway between Edinburgh and London - places Leeds in the heart of the country. As Leeds takes up the mantle as a key European commercial and cultural centre, it attracts new residents to its cosmopolitan centre. Already numbering over 700,000 residents, Leeds is home to more than 75 nationalities.

The cultural, historical and architectural heritage of Leeds is well represented by a host of museums, stately homes and art galleries, from the national attractions of the Royal Armouries and the Thackray Medical Museum to the fine mansions of Harewood House, Temple Newsam and Lotherton Hall.

The cosmopolitan city of Leeds is home to many different cultures and religious beliefs and most religions have a presence in the Leeds area. Many of the churches in the city of Leeds belong to the Church of England as places of worship for the Anglican faith, although all faiths are always welcome at these Leeds' churches.

Sports

Leeds has excellent sports facilities, including a wide range of popular Leeds spectator sports, such as rugby and cricket.

There are also good sports facilities in Leeds for participants, and these include golf courses, tennis courts, badminton courts, swimming pools, fitness centres and gymnasiums.

Transport

Leeds has very good different kinds of transportation and excellent facilities for travel make a visitor’s stay in Leeds really enjoyable.

The city of Leeds is well served by the public transport system and Leeds has one of the best and busiest bus and rail networks in the United Kingdom.

Also, there is a big train station in Leeds. In the train station you will find many shops and you can travel very fast to other cities with a cheap ticket. In Leeds, there is also an airport so if you like airplane travel, you can go to different countries through this airport.

The City enjoys excellent north - south transport links in the form of the M1/ A1 roads and the electrified East Coast main rail line. The City also lies at the heart of the strategically important Trans Pennine Corridor linking the Humber and Irish Sea Ports.