Leeds has become one of the fastest growing cities in the UK today.
It is home to different business bases, 1.9 million employment, and even considered as one of the greenest cities in the country.
This just shows that the city has so much potential that it can be a good place to live and work for.
But before you even attempt to come and live in this beautiful city, let’s take a trip down the memory lane and have a glimpse of the city’s humble beginnings.
First stop, the middle ages. Leeds started out as Saxon village. Population way back then was about 200. During those time, Leeds was classified as a large village. In the Medieval times, people source of income is farming. There was a total of 1,000 people living in the town.
Next, 16th, 17th, and 18th century. Leeds had grown its population. Thanks to the growth of several industries such as wool cloth industry. In the 17th and 18th century, the wool industry had boomed. This made the town wealthy and large. The manufacturing of wool had become the lifeblood of the town. However, few trades emerged in such as carpenters, bakers, butchers, innkeepers, blacksmiths and loss assessors Leeds among others.
In the 19th century, the population of the town had grown to 30,000. In 1851, it even reached its peak of 101,000. During this time the town had grown rapidly. There was overcrowding; the streets were dirty. This resulted in the rise of an epidemic, cholera in 1932. Over 700 people were killed during this time.
Then, 1849, another epidemic occurred killing approximately 2,000 people. Despite the epidemic the lives of the people during this time slowly improved. The streets were now lit by gas. Then, the railway was constructed. There were modern police, town hall, and Leeds United as then founded. The wool industry continues to flourish. Making linen paved its way too.
In 20th and 21st century, Leed has grown its population. It reached 178,000 during the 20th century, and close to 751,000 to date. The population had grown a lot from 200 now, close to a million. Council houses, hospital, and Civic Hall were built.
The main industries during the 20th century were tailoring and engineering. It was during this time that manufacturing industry slowly went down the hill. Most of the people worked in hotels, insurance, and banking. The major employer of Leeds is the city council. With a total of 35,000 in the 20th century. As for the 21st century, City Museum and Millennium Square has been build.
Even today, the city of Leeds continues to flourish and improve on its infrastructures, industries, and economy wise. Tourists do come and visit the city to see it’s history, the beautiful landmarks, parks, and attractions. Now that you have a glimpse of Leed’s history, are you in to pay this city a visit anytime soon? For sure, you will love it here and the beauty the city has to offer for tourists like you.