In a landmark project, plaques honouring the names of six trailblazing women from the city’s past were unveiled in the prestigious council chamber of Leeds Civic Hall.
Taking their rightful place alongside the names of men who already feature, they have become the very first women to be permanently added to the chamber walls since the building opened in 1933.
The project is aimed at recognising the extraordinary accomplishments of women in Leeds and the unique contribution they have made to the city’s story.
Their names were chosen after a public consultation and confirmed by members of the council’s executive board.
When Leeds Civic Hall was built in 1933, men who had a close association with Leeds or who contributed in a significant way to the history of the city saw their names added to the walls of the council chamber.
Check out our gallery of pictures below showing the opening ceremony and stories of the six women whose lives have inspired many.
7. Leonara Cohen OBE
She was famously arrested for smashing a glass case containing a royal insignia at the Tower of London in protest against the government’s position on a woman’s right to vote. | Leeds City Council
9. Alice Bacon MP
As a minister in the Home Office in the 1960s she oversaw the introduction of substantial societal changes, including the abolition of the death penalty, the decriminalisation of homosexuality and the legalisation of abortion. | PA Photo: PA
10. The Barnbow Lasses
'The Barnbow Lasses' worked in the Barnbow Munitions Factory, where 35 women and girls were tragically killed in an explosion during the First World War. | Tony Johnson
11. The Barnbow Lasses
The explosion remains the single biggest loss of life in the city’s history. | Leeds City Council
12. Beryl Burton OBE
Racing cyclist Beryl Burton OBE dominated the sport in the UK and abroad, winning more than 90 domestic championships and seven world titles and setting numerous national records. | Tony Johnson