County Arcade
Undated.
County Arcade was constructed between Briggate and Vicar Lane on the site of White Hart Yard. Work began in 1898 as part of the Leeds Estates Company redevelopment of Briggate. Architect Frank Matcham designed the arcade; he was also responsible for building the London Palladium and Empire Theatre, Leeds. The central dome was decorated with figures representing Liberty, Commerce, Labour and Art. This view is looking from the junction with Cross Arcade towards Briggate. On the left corner is Vickers gift shop selling silver, jewellery, watches etc. On the right, opposite, is a branch of Greenwoods menswear. Next right is the entrance to the Mecca Locarno Ballroom then Elster shoe shop. The floor is made of marble mosaics. The arcade is now incorporated into the Victoria Quarter, a prestigious shopping area, which includes the former Queen Victoria Street, now roofed in stained glass designed by Brian Clarke.
Memories
This is the County Arcade as I knew it in the forties and fifties before the Jimmy Saviles of this world I think Jimmy was down the Pit in the Forties
My father had a small band of musicians in the early years of the war by the name of MARVILEOS TANGO BAND and would play at many local halls round LEEDS .I still have in my possession a Flyer for one of his (GIGS)at the MECCA LOCARNO for the Munition Workers Saturday 6th DECEMBER 1941 Admission By Ticket 2 shillings Cabaret and other prizes 7PM to 11PM.
Hows about that then.
added December 2007.
Raymond Jones.
Raymond Jones
