Changing Leeds - What's in the butcher's row basket?

The photo dates back to 1899 and shows Cheapside located off Briggate in Leeds city centre.

The focal point of the image is a large wicker basket with "M R Leeds" stamped, or painted on it, is in the foreground.

Animal carcasses are visible in many of the shop fronts, because Cheapside and Fleet Street were the two streets that enclosed the area known as The Shambles, and old term for butchers.

This area was later torn down and replaced by The Empire Theatre. Many people line the street and stand in the shop doorways, including shopkeepers in aprons.

Number 116 Briggate was the corner premises of watchmaker Thomas Whitehouse seen at the right edge. There is advertising for 'Watch Repairs a Speciality' and 'Watch Glasses' for 2d, 'Watch Hands' for 2d, 'Watches Cleaned' for 1s & 6d. (this last would be worth around at least £4 in today's money).

The photo is published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. They also run heritage blog The Secret Library Leeds, which provides a behind the scenes look at the Central Library and highlights from its special collections, including rare books hidden away in the stacks.

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