Triumphal arches was put up around the city to welcome the Royal visit of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra and this specially-commissioned illuminated electric tram featuring 3,000 lights visited all areas of the city in the week that followed. This was Leeds in 1908, a 12 months which also featured thousands take part in the Women's Social & Political Union's Procession to Woodhouse Moor for a huge rally. These images are published courtesy of Clifford Large, Artemis and photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. READ MORE: Leeds in the 1880s – Photo memories from a decade of firsts LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
13. Leeds city centre
Leeds Town Hall decorated for the Royal visit. To the right are the Municipal Buildings, now Central Library and Art Gallery. The buildings on the extreme right were demolished to provide open space for War memorial. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
14. Leeds in 1908
A colour-tinted postcard showing the Royal procession approaching the Town Hall (named City Hall on the postcard), during the visit. | Artemis, Leeds City Council Photo: Artemis, Leeds City Council
15. Leeds city centre
Part of the celebrations had been the commission of an illuminated tram. It started running on the night of the Royal visit and the following week visited every part of the city. This photograph was taken of the tram when it had passed Horsforth and gone on to White Cross, Guiseley. On the side is the slogan 'Welcome to our King and Queen'. This was the first visit of a reigning king to Leeds since Charles II. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
16. Leeds city centre
A postcard showing New Briggate decorated with flags and bunting for the Royal visit. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
17. Leeds city centre
Postcard with view of Leeds Town Hall. King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra are leaving by carriage which had been sent to Leeds in advance from the Royal Mews. the statue of Queen Victoria, who had opened the Town Hall in 1858, was later moved to Woodhouse Moor where it still stands. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
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