Leeds of West Yorkshire, UK
Leeds is a large city (population of all outlying suburbs and city is estimated at approximately 750, 000) located in West Yorkshire in the United Kingdom (England). Leeds has been around for centuries and can trace back it’s history to as early as the 5th century.
Leeds took its name from the forest ‘Loidis’ which covered most of the countryside during Leeds’ early history. Locally citizens are known as ‘loiners’ although the exact origin of the term is unknown.
Prior to the industrial revolution Leeds was a market center. Initially Leeds was a market hub for the surrounding agricultural economy and as a hub continued its expansion. Primary products from Leeds included wool and the cloth made from wool.
The turn of the century and prior railway development helped Leeds to maintain its hub status and diversify its industries to included textile factories. The railway system installed in the mid- to late 18th century meant that Leeds was able to enter larger international markets as well thanks to connections to port cities such as Hull and Liverpool.
Today Leeds is the home of the internationally famous University of Leeds. The diverse student population helps to keep options for younger citizens activities thriving. The university has a student population in excess of 30, 000 and trace its roots back more than a century. Aside from abundant nightlife options Leeds also hosts the oldest West Indian carnival of Western Europe, the Leeds Carnival. Over its three day run the carnival will see in excess of 100, 000 visitors from all over the world.
Leeds today is a thriving city home to a diverse population of all walks of life. Its has numerous points of interest for visitors both native and from abroad. Anyone planning a trip there would be well advised to use the plethora of information available to maximize their sight seeing potential.
