A beautiful city. My trip to Leeds with a visit to the Corn Exchange and Kirkgate 1904 Market

I spent a very enjoyable day walking around Leeds. I was fortunate enough to be able to access the balcony of the famous Kirkgate Market and also allowed to photograph inside the Corn Exchange.

Interestingly, I discovered that Marks and Spencer started trading at Kirkgate Market. A friendly man over at Leeds Markets sent me this information:

Michael Marks started trading in his Penny Bazaar on the outdoor market in 1884 selling haberdashery, socks and stockings. Every item on his stall cost a penny. His slogan was ‘Don’t ask the price, it’s a penny’. His business prospered and he soon moved to the covered market. In 1894 he went into partnership with Tom Spencer and thus Marks & Spencer was born.

If you’d like to find out more information about Kirkgate Market, you can also find out more information about the Leeds Corn Exchange.

All images © Paul Groom Photography

The Corn Market

Westminster Buildings

Kirkgate 1904 Market

Of course, I’m not only interested in the beautiful landmarks which a location has, I’m also intrigued by other moments. I love the CAFE sign above this shop, suggesting a usage for this building in years gone by. The car park roof, the outdoor market from up high…. the world around us has so much detail and interest.