12 things the city of Leeds gave to the wider world

The city of Leeds and the people who call it home have made their mark on the world over the years.

By Joseph Keith

Published 11th Feb 2023, 16:15 BST

And from groundbreaking inventions and incredible artwork, to munitions forged right here in Leeds which helped the Allies to win the First World War, the city and its residents have had a lasting impact on the rest of the world.

Here, we look at 12 of the amazing things that Leeds has given to the wider world.

This gallery features just some of the incredible things that the city of Leeds has given to the wider world.

1. Things that Leeds gave to the world

This gallery features just some of the incredible things that the city of Leeds has given to the wider world. Photo: Nationalworld/PA

Arguably one of the world's most popular board games, Monopoly was produced and distributed in the UK by Leeds-based firm Waddingtons for many years. The company became involved with the game soon after it was invented by Charles B Darrow in America during the 1930s.

2. Monopoly

Arguably one of the world's most popular board games, Monopoly was produced and distributed in the UK by Leeds-based firm Waddingtons for many years. The company became involved with the game soon after it was invented by Charles B Darrow in America during the 1930s. Photo: PA

Barnbow, the WW1 munitions factory - or National Filling Factory No.1 - was based in Cross Gates in east Leeds. It was designed to keep up with demand for shells and ammunition during the war. The Barnbow site spanned 400 acres - and almost of all its workforce was made up of women. Pictured is a Christmas party in 1953 held at the Barnbow Munitions Factory in Cross Gates.

3. WW1 munitions

Barnbow, the WW1 munitions factory - or National Filling Factory No.1 - was based in Cross Gates in east Leeds. It was designed to keep up with demand for shells and ammunition during the war. The Barnbow site spanned 400 acres - and almost of all its workforce was made up of women. Pictured is a Christmas party in 1953 held at the Barnbow Munitions Factory in Cross Gates. Photo: YPN

Fish and chip shop favourite Harry Ramsden's may now have branches across the country, but the chippy had humble beginnings in Leeds. It was first opened as a shop by Harry Ramsden in December, 1928 at White Cross in Guiseley, Leeds. Pictured is the former Harry Ramsden's restaurant, in Guiseley, in 2010.

4. Harry Ramsden's

Fish and chip shop favourite Harry Ramsden's may now have branches across the country, but the chippy had humble beginnings in Leeds. It was first opened as a shop by Harry Ramsden in December, 1928 at White Cross in Guiseley, Leeds. Pictured is the former Harry Ramsden's restaurant, in Guiseley, in 2010. Photo: Simon Hulme

Originally called Emmerdale Farm, the British soap's very first episode aired on October 16, 1972. Exterior scenes over the years have been filmed in Esholt - based between Leeds and Bradford - interior shots were filmed at studios in Leeds. The long-running ITV soap is now filmed in Harewood. Pictured are the Brownlee Brothers on the set in 2014.

5. 28 February 2014. The Brownlee Brothers, Jonny and Alistair cycle through the Emmerdale set in the grounds of Harewood near Leeds to promote the Dare 2b Yorkshire Festival of Cycling. (TJ1002/58d) Picture Tony Johnson.

Originally called Emmerdale Farm, the British soap's very first episode aired on October 16, 1972. Exterior scenes over the years have been filmed in Esholt - based between Leeds and Bradford - interior shots were filmed at studios in Leeds. The long-running ITV soap is now filmed in Harewood. Pictured are the Brownlee Brothers on the set in 2014. Photo: Tony Johnson

Leeds engineer Matthew Murray, born in 1765, along with John Blenkinsop, created the first commercially-viable steam locomotive back in 1812, called the twin cylinder Salamanca. The former Matthew Murray High School, in Holbeck, was named in his honour. Pictured is a Matthew Murray locomotive at Middleton Railway in 2012.

6. The steam locomotive

Leeds engineer Matthew Murray, born in 1765, along with John Blenkinsop, created the first commercially-viable steam locomotive back in 1812, called the twin cylinder Salamanca. The former Matthew Murray High School, in Holbeck, was named in his honour. Pictured is a Matthew Murray locomotive at Middleton Railway in 2012. Photo: Mike Cowling