A to Z of Leeds: The city centre department store that fell out of fashion

We all know Leeds is a great city, right?
An undated photo of Marshall and Snelgrove at the junction of Bond Street and Park Row. PIC: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.netAn undated photo of Marshall and Snelgrove at the junction of Bond Street and Park Row. PIC: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
An undated photo of Marshall and Snelgrove at the junction of Bond Street and Park Row. PIC: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

There are many reasons for this bold claim, from the people who've called this place home, to the history of the region, the developments underway and the talent and creativity we see on a daily basis. Here, we go through the alphabet to give you some reasons to be proud.

M IS FOR MARSHALL & SNELGROVE

The archetypal department store was founded in 1837 but opened in Leeds in 1870 and closed just over 100 years later in 1971.

The Marshall and Snelgrove store at the junction of Bond Street and Park Row in January 1971.The Marshall and Snelgrove store at the junction of Bond Street and Park Row in January 1971.
The Marshall and Snelgrove store at the junction of Bond Street and Park Row in January 1971.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It sold a wide range of clothes, furnishings, carpets, linoleum and many other things.

Founded by Jon Snelgrove in 1837, he teamed up with James Marshall a decade later. They opened their first store on Oxford Street, London and quickly established a reputation for quality.

They took their brand beyond the capital, to Birmingham, Manchester, Scarborough, Harrogate, Southport, Bradford and York to name just a few but the Leeds store opened on the corner of Park Row and Bond Street in 1870.

Many people remember it being on Commercial Street but this is probably because that street runs into Bond Street.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The store was prestigious and had doormen who would greet customers with pleasantries.

During the First World War, the company fell on hard times, as people had less money for luxury items.

The company later became part of the Debenhams Group but fell out of fashion in the early 1970s, finally closing in 1971.

DID YOU SHOP AT MARSHALL & SNELGROVE? Share your memories with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: andrew.hutchinson@jpress.co.uk or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN

MORE A TO Z OF LEEDS:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you

Laura Collins

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.