The Leeds city centre pub affectionately known as 'The Mad House'

It was the city centre pub which boasted a notorious reputation.
The Market Tavern in March 1914. PIC:  Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.netThe Market Tavern in March 1914. PIC:  Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
The Market Tavern in March 1914. PIC: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

The Market Tavern on Harewood Steet was affectionately known as 'The Mad House' by staff and customers.

It served generations of drinkers after being converted from a private house to a public house in 1850.

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Inside The Market Tavern in November 1914. PIC: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.netInside The Market Tavern in November 1914. PIC: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
Inside The Market Tavern in November 1914. PIC: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
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The last pint was pulled in the pub in 1995 and it was demolished a few months later, to make way for a car park, despite a spirited campaign run by The Leeds Civic Trust.

These three photos showcase the pub in 1914 and are published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. They also run heritage blog The Secret Library Leeds, which provides a behind the scenes look at the Central Library and highlights from its special collections, including rare books hidden away in the stacks.

WERE YOU A REGULAR AT 'THE MAD HOUSE' BACK IN THE DAY? Share your memories with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN******************

A message from the Editor:

The Market Tavern in March 1914. PIC:  Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.netThe Market Tavern in March 1914. PIC:  Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
The Market Tavern in March 1914. PIC: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Thank you

Laura Collins