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.
. 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
. 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
. 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
. 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
. 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
7. Next
Retailer Next traces its history all the way back to 1864, when J Hepworth & Son gentleman's tailors opened in Leeds. In 1981, Hepworth bought the chain of Kendalls rainwear shops to develop a womenswear group of stores called Next. Next for Men launched in August 1984. Its former city centre site is pictured in 2016 before it closed and moved into the Trinity Leeds shopping centre. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
8. Silver Cross and their prams
Baby pram creator and popular nursery brand Silver Cross was founded in Leeds. In 1877, Leeds man William Wilson invented its first baby pram. Its factory was based at Silver Cross Street in Hunslet, which led to the name. Pictured is a former Lawrence Wilson & Son Ltd site in Guiseley on June 13, 1967. Photo: YPN
9. Damien Hirst's artwork
World-renowned artist Damien Hirst grew up right here in Leeds. He studied as a pupil at Allerton Grange High School before going on to Leeds College of Art in the 1980s. Sculptors Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, from Castleford and Wakefield respectively, also studied at the college. Hirst is pictured at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in 2019. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
10. X-ray 'crystallography'
Cavendish Professor of Physics at the University of Leeds, Sir William Henry Bragg along with his son William Lawrence Bragg developed X-ray crystallography in 1912. The technique helped scientists analyse the atomic structure of crystals. The father-son duo were awarded the Nobel Prize in 1915. Pictured in 2020 is an installation by artist Sara Barker on the side of the University of Leeds' new £100m engineering building, as a tribute to Sir William. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
11. Chippendale furniture
Cabinet maker Thomas Cippendale was born in Otley in the 18th century. The world-renowned craftsman gained a reputation for his designs and high-quality work, which became one of the most sought-after furniture brands during the 1700s. Pictured is curator Simon McCormack, polishing a library desk created by Thomas Chippendale, at Nostell Priory, Wakefield, in 2021. Photo: Simon Hulme
12. Leeds West Indian Carnival
The Leeds West Indian Carnival annual celebration of Caribbean culture, held in Chapeltown and Harehills, first took place in 1967. It is considered among the longest-running events of its kind in Europe and has been held every year since its inception, except for 2020 and 2021 owing to the outbreak of Covid-19. Pictured is Carnival Queen Tahiela Odain Hamilton in 2019. Photo: Simon Hulme