The cause of the blaze on Saturday, December 13, 1975, remains uncertain to this day - there were suggestions either of an electrical fault or an overturned paraffin lamp. Either way, the flames spread quickly through Europe’s largest covered market and some 150 stallholders fled for their lives. These photos from the YEP archive showcase the devastation and the aftermath of the blaze which could not kill the spirit of the market or its traders, many of whom were back on their feet within days. Determined not to be beaten, traders crammed into whatever space they could find in undamaged sections of the market, mainly on the Vicar Lane side. READ MORE: The Dark Arches in 19 photos | 20 photos of Vicar Lane through the years LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
19. December 1975
View of Kirkgate Market six days after two thirds of the building was destroyed by fire, showing the lower end of Game Row. | other Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
20. December 1975
The picture shows Lower Butcher's Row, with the fire damaged shops of H. Charles, Fred Dring and L.N. Gilbert on the right. | other Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
21. December 1975
The fire prompted a visit from Prince Charles chats to a greengrocer in Kirkgate Market during his walkabout. | jpimedia
22. Enjoyed this gallery?
Share your memories of the Kirkgate Market fire with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN | YPN Photo: YPN