Arcades (12 photos)

This collection highlights the Victorian Arcades of Leeds alongside newer additions to the city that have come and gone. The first arcade built in Leeds was Thornton's Arcade which opened in 1877. The novelty of a covered walkway lined with shops proved such a popular addition to the shopping facilities of Leeds that it was followed by the Queen's Arcade in 1889 and others from the 1890s onwards. Many were built along the sides of the ancient street of Briggate, where the long narrow yards leading off (formerly burgage plots) proved to be ideal locations. We invite you to share your memories of any of the Leeds Arcades below each image.