From the scientific discoveries of DNA and carbonated water, founding of beloved British businesses and paving the way for modern-day feminism - key Leeds figures have played a part in it all. Here are 10 inspirational men and women who have changed the world for the better.
1. Isabella Ford
Headingley-born Isabella Ford was a trade union organiser who spoke widely on socialism and women's suffrage. She was a life member of the Leeds Trades and Labour Council and marched with Manningham Mill workers in Bradford.She was the first woman ever to speak at a Labour Party confrence (then caleld Labour Representation Committee). Photo: British Library, Newspaper Library, Colindale
2. Michael Marks
Marks and Spencer founder Michael Marks was born in the then Russian Partition of Poland before moving to Leeds. He opened his first stall in Leeds' open market and then later went into business with Thomas Spencer to open Marks and Spencers in the covered Kirkgate Market. Photo: Creative Commons
3. Titus Salt
Titus Salt, founder of the Salt's He died in Lightcliffe, near Halifax, and was buried in Saltaire, where 100,000 reportedly lined the route of his funeral procession. Mill and purpose built village was actually born in Morley. He went to school in Batley, and once lived on the grounds of The Manor pub in Crofton, before he opened Salt's Mill in 1853. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
4. Joseph Priestley
Birstall-born Joseph Priestley is best known for discovering oxygen (O2) and inventing carbonated water. However, he was also a theologian and the Minister of Mill Hill Chapel from 1767. The family later moved to Birmingham but were forced to flee in 1791 by religiously motivated mob violence in what became known as the Priestley Riots. Photo: John Clifton
5. John Smeaton
Civil engineer John Smeaton was born in Austhorpe in 1724 and educated at Leeds Grammar School before he grew up to become the "father of civil engineering". He pioneered the use of hydraulic lime in concrete and is responsible for commissioning the construction of the Calder and Hebble Navigation and Ripon Canal. Photo: James Hardisty / Leeds Industrial Museum
6. Ralph Thoresby
Ralph Thoresby is known as the first historian of Leeds. He was born in 1658 and educated at Leeds Grammar School. He inherited his father's museum of coins and medals, which attracted many curious visitors to the city. Thoresby's museum did not survive his death and was sold off at auction in March 1764. Photo: Tony Johnson