Leeds is a beautiful, atmospheric city that attracts tourists with its charm. This is a place you want to return to, as its beauty inspires and motivates. When travelling, you often want to learn more about the city’s history, intriguing facts, and regional secrets. Leeds is no exception, and this city has its own little-known facts that will interest not only tourists but also locals. Today, we’ll explore them in more detail. Read more on ileeds.info.
Leeds Researchers Who Made History: Bryan Boffey and Joseph Priestley
Leeds is not only famous for its remarkable architectural landmarks but also for its talented scientists, researchers, and artists. Bryan Boffey, a researcher from Leeds, worked at the Rowntree confectionery factory in York. It was Boffey who invented powdered jelly, which we now know as jelly babies. Later, Boffey even collaborated with NASA, producing food for astronauts. Rowntree, a British brand, also developed Kit Kat, Aero, Fruit Pastilles, Smarties, Rolo, and Quality Street. The company’s history dates back to 1862 and it was a leader in the British confectionery industry. In 1988, Rowntree was acquired by Nestlé.
Joseph Priestley is another renowned scientist and researcher linked to Leeds. An interesting fact connecting Priestley and Leeds is the invention of carbonated drinks. In 1767, Priestley infused water with carbon bubbles in a laboratory at the University of Leeds. Thanks to this local pioneer, Britons began drinking fizzy water. Priestley, born near Leeds in a poor family, received an excellent education thanks to his wealthy aunt. Joseph Priestley was not only a brilliant chemist but also a priest, philosopher, and naturalist.
The First Marks & Spencer Store
Leeds is notable as the location of the first Marks & Spencer store, which opened in 1884. Marks & Spencer is now the largest clothing retailer in the UK, operating over 885 stores. Initially, the company only sold clothing, but in the 2000s, it expanded to include food, furniture, and household goods.
The company was founded by Jewish immigrant Michael Marks, who opened a penny bazaar in the port of Hartlepool. In 1884, Marks moved to Leeds, where he met Thomas Spencer. The two men merged their businesses, giving rise to Marks & Spencer. The first trading stall was opened at Leeds Kirkgate Market. This is how a globally renowned brand was born in Leeds and began to thrive. Did you know about this?
A little-known fact is that the internet in the UK effectively started in Leeds. Freeserve was a British internet provider founded in 1998. It was a joint project between Dixons Group plc and Leeds-based hosting provider Planet Online. The project aimed to provide free internet access to customers purchasing new home computers from Dixons stores. Notably, Freeserve abolished monthly subscription fees for internet access, instead allowing users to pay standard telephone line rates. This pricing policy proved highly appealing to most users.
Leeds is not only celebrated for world-changing inventions but also for producing the oldest silent film. Roundhay Garden Scene is a short silent movie filmed in Leeds in 1888 by Louis Le Prince. It was recorded on Eastman Kodak photographic paper using Le Prince’s single-lens camera. The film featured Annie Hartley, Adolphe Le Prince, Joseph Whitley, and Sarah Whitley.
Most tourists associate the UK with fog and constant rain, but Leeds is an exception. The city enjoys a relatively mild climate; summer temperatures rarely exceed +30°C, and in winter, the thermometer rarely dips below -10°C. Leeds also does not experience excessive rainfall, making it the perfect city for sightseeing. Visitors can explore favourite places without suffering from heat, severe cold, or endless rain.
This is a well-known fact, but it’s worth repeating: Leeds offers some of the highest-paying jobs in the UK outside London. The city is the second-largest financial and legal hub in the country, after the capital. As a result, Leeds attracts a youthful population, with more and more students eager to study at its universities. The city is also famous for its numerous shops and shopping arcades, earning it the title of the centre of British shopping.
Now you know some interesting facts about Leeds – although you may have already been aware of a few. We hope this article has been insightful and that you’ve learned more about our beloved city.
What lesser-known facts about Leeds do you know? Share your thoughts with us on social media – your opinion matters to us.