A to Z of Leeds: The Sunday controversy of a city zoo and gardens

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.

Z IS FOR ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS

The opening of the gardens on Cardigan Road in July 1840 , which cost 6d to visit, sparked controversy because they opened on a Sunday.

Traditionalists argued Sunday should be a day of rest and that the gardens should remain closed. However, the editor of the radical Leeds Times, Dr Samuel Smiles, took the opposing view that Sunday was an ideal time for the working classes to visit them, there being little other opportunity during the week.

This then was part of a wider discussion about civil and religious liberty which was being had at the time.

Eventually, a compromise was agreed and the gardens opened from 4pm to sunset on Sundays.

The gardens were full of exotic plants and flowers, designed by Edward Davies, who included two ponds and a fountain. with animals on show including swans, an eagle, a racoon and several monkeys.

Balloon rides were even held here. However, the life of the gardens was shortlived and in December 1848, having not attracted the numbers it needed, it was forced to close.

By 1890, the land was sold for building, with expensive mansions built. The only part remaining is the Bear Pit on Cardigan Road.

MORE A TO Z OF LEEDS:

A: How Arthur Aaron became a war hero .

B: Ivy Benson - Leeds's own pioneer of 'girl power' .

C: The curious custom of Leeds Town Hall clock .

D: The city landmark made of 18 million bricks .

E: Briggate's Empire Theatre .

F: The Farnley Wood Plot .

G: The suffragette who valiantly fought for women’s right to vote .

H: The vicar who helped rebuild Leeds Parish Church .

I: The Leeds hotel known as 'The Imp' .

J: The city's J.R.R. Tolkein connection .

K: The city street boasting 1,000 years of history .

L: The 'miserable looking' mangy city centre landmarks .

M: The city centre department store that fell out of fashion .

N: The pub visited by highwayman Dick Turpin .

O: The city's own 'Factory King' .

P: The city's own king of clocks .

Q: From tram shed to top of the pops .

R: The city museum famed for fighting talk .

S: The doomed solution to the city's traffic woes .

T: The brewery and brand built on tradition, quality and pride .

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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.

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Thank you

Laura Collins