Book lifts lid on 125 years of Leeds life

Heard about the Leeds pensioner who beat the world's media to the big story over Princess Diana's pregnancy?
The YEP was among the thousands who attended the annual Children's Day extravaganza, which ran for four decades.The YEP was among the thousands who attended the annual Children's Day extravaganza, which ran for four decades.
The YEP was among the thousands who attended the annual Children's Day extravaganza, which ran for four decades.

How about the time ecapologist extraordinaire Harry Houdini nearly came a cropper on a city stage thanks to a barrel of Tetley’s bitter?

And why on earth did Leeds United’s legends celebrate winning the FA Cup with nothing stronger than a cup of tea and sandwich at a motorway service station?

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All these questions and countless more are answered in a brand new book looking back at the story of Leeds and some of the incredible things that have happened in the city.

Princess Diana captured meeting her admirers during a 1993 visit to Leeds.Princess Diana captured meeting her admirers during a 1993 visit to Leeds.
Princess Diana captured meeting her admirers during a 1993 visit to Leeds.

I wrote In Love With Leeds to mark the 125th anniversary of the Yorkshire Evening Post.

It was a fascinating process which unearthed gems that had been hidden in the YEP’s archives for decades.

I discovered that the paper came about because of interest in the late 19th century trial of murderer Charlie Peace.

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Loiners couldn’t get enough of the case and The Yorkshire Post printed special editions to keep up with demand.

The Beatles backstage at the Leeds Odeon in 1964. Picture: Paul Berriff.The Beatles backstage at the Leeds Odeon in 1964. Picture: Paul Berriff.
The Beatles backstage at the Leeds Odeon in 1964. Picture: Paul Berriff.

From this came the idea to launch an evening paper for Leeds and ever since the YEP has told the story of the city, its triumphs and its tragedies, in millions of words and pictures.

In Love With Leeds uses illuminating extracts and incredible images to chart the course of the city we know and love.

It takes a look at some of the biggest stories that have gripped us over the course of the last 125 years and gives the lowdown on the era-defining events that have unfolded here.

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There are iconic photographs and little-known details of visits from royalty, world leaders and some of the planet’s biggest music stars.

Leeds United legends Billy Bremner and Allan Clarke lit up the Revie era.Leeds United legends Billy Bremner and Allan Clarke lit up the Revie era.
Leeds United legends Billy Bremner and Allan Clarke lit up the Revie era.

The ups and downs of Leeds United, Leeds Rhinos and other sporting heroes down the decades are closely documented and there’s a look at some of the city’s most inspirational figures. The book also chronicles how Leeds has transformed itself – from bustling town to booming city.

It’s the story of Leeds through the eyes of the people who know it best.

In Love With Leeds will be published by Great Northern Books next month.

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But if you pre-order a copy before September 7, your name (or that of a friend or relative) will be printed in a list at the back of the book.

The YEP captures the moment the Graf Zeppelin passes over City Square in August 1931.

Was the great airship on a spying mission?The YEP captures the moment the Graf Zeppelin passes over City Square in August 1931.

Was the great airship on a spying mission?
The YEP captures the moment the Graf Zeppelin passes over City Square in August 1931. Was the great airship on a spying mission?

A bookplate dedicated to the name of your choice will also be inserted at the front of the book.

And there’s a special offer for YEP readers who would like to buy more than one copy of a book that’s sure to stir memories, as well as offer new insights into the story of the city we know and love.

For full details visit www.ypbookoffer.co.uk or call 01274 735056.

A few gems from the new book

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The royal visit of King Edward VII almost saw a riot when police tried to remove a miner who had shinned up a lamp post to get a better look.

The German airship the Graf Zeppelin passed over Leeds in 1931, triggering fears it was on a spying mission.

Princess Diana captured meeting her admirers during a 1993 visit to Leeds.Princess Diana captured meeting her admirers during a 1993 visit to Leeds.
Princess Diana captured meeting her admirers during a 1993 visit to Leeds.

Don Revie was convinced Leeds would win the 1972 FA Cup final after seeing a bride on his way to Wembley.

Michael Jackson installed backstage chandeliers, water fountains and miniature gardens when he played Roundhay Park in 1988.

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