The city's arcades have been part of people's lives for generations and mean different things to different people thanks to the shops, cafes and clocks of interest. Those of significance are all found at the northern end of Briggate and were built as an antidote to narrow ginnels and scruffy courtyards. READ MORE: Go down these hidden and historic city centre alleys and yards MORE CHANGING LEEDS: Briggate | The Headrow | Boar Lane | LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
![Designed by Leeds architect Charles Fowler it opened in May 1878. Located between Briggate and Lands Lane it was the first arcade to open in the city. This pen and ink drawing showcases the atmosphere of the period.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE0NjAyNDk4.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
1. Thornton's Arcade
Designed by Leeds architect Charles Fowler it opened in May 1878. Located between Briggate and Lands Lane it was the first arcade to open in the city. This pen and ink drawing showcases the atmosphere of the period. | jpimedia
![The arcade was treated to a lick of paint in the 1950s.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE0NjAyNDk5.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
![This view of the arcade dates back to October 1968.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE0NjAyNzYw.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
![A view inside the arcade in April 1988. Have you noticed Schofields at the bottom?](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE0NjAyNzYx.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
4. Thornton's Arcade
A view inside the arcade in April 1988. Have you noticed Schofields at the bottom? | jpimedia
![The arcade is distinguished by its clock with moving figures at the Lands Lane end.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE0NjAyNzYy.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
5. Thornton's Arcade
The arcade is distinguished by its clock with moving figures at the Lands Lane end. | jpimedia
![Underneath the clock a bell is struck by four life-sized, wooden, Jacquemart figures from the novel Ivanhoe of Richard I, Friar Tuck, Robin Hood and the swineherd Gurth built by John Wormald Appleyard.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE0NjAyNzYz.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
6. Thornton's Arcade
Underneath the clock a bell is struck by four life-sized, wooden, Jacquemart figures from the novel Ivanhoe of Richard I, Friar Tuck, Robin Hood and the swineherd Gurth built by John Wormald Appleyard. | jpimedia