Crowded scene at the opening of City Square and the unveiling of the statue of the Black Prince, sculpted by Thomas Brock, which dominates the centre. In the background from left are the Standard Life Assurance Building, Park Row and Priestley Hall named after Dr Joseph Priestley who was also the Minister of the adjacent Mill Hill Chapel in the eighteenth century. Pictured in September 1903.placeholder image
Crowded scene at the opening of City Square and the unveiling of the statue of the Black Prince, sculpted by Thomas Brock, which dominates the centre. In the background from left are the Standard Life Assurance Building, Park Row and Priestley Hall named after Dr Joseph Priestley who was also the Minister of the adjacent Mill Hill Chapel in the eighteenth century. Pictured in September 1903. | Leeds Civic Trust

Memories from the year Leeds welcomed a Black Prince

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 23rd Jun 2024, 04:45 GMT
Updated 23rd Jun 2024, 16:30 GMT

It was the year a city welcomed a Black Prince.

Thousands turned out in City Square to catch a glimpse of the Black Prince statue which still points the way to this day. This was 1903 and the photo is one of 19 showcasing a year in the life of the city. Suburbs in focus include Little London, Osmondthorpe, Rodley, Sheepscar and Beeston. The images 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. READ MORE: Black Prince - Memories of the Leeds landmark which points the way LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

The original building of the Roman Catholic St. Anne's Cathedral, looking east from Park Row. It was positioned near the site of Leeds Permanent Building Society headquarters at the junction of The Headrow and Cookridge Street.

7. Leeds city centre

The original building of the Roman Catholic St. Anne's Cathedral, looking east from Park Row. It was positioned near the site of Leeds Permanent Building Society headquarters at the junction of The Headrow and Cookridge Street. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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The junction of Bristol Street and Cross Stamford Street. Painted signs and Playbills are visible on side of house the most prominent being for Oxo and Bass Carling label. Children are gathered on the corner in period dress. 4 properties 3 with downstairs window shutters with United Methodist Free Church (Providence Chapel). Pictured in July 1903.

8. Sheepscar

The junction of Bristol Street and Cross Stamford Street. Painted signs and Playbills are visible on side of house the most prominent being for Oxo and Bass Carling label. Children are gathered on the corner in period dress. 4 properties 3 with downstairs window shutters with United Methodist Free Church (Providence Chapel). Pictured in July 1903. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Postcard view showing vast crowds assembled around City Square for the opening ceremony and inauguration of the statues in September 1903.

9. Leeds city centre

Postcard view showing vast crowds assembled around City Square for the opening ceremony and inauguration of the statues in September 1903. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Taken in July 1903, old cottages on Water Lane scheduled for demolition. On the gable end wall is an advertisement for Bass beer.

10. Holbeck

Taken in July 1903, old cottages on Water Lane scheduled for demolition. On the gable end wall is an advertisement for Bass beer. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Woodhouse Lane in September 1903. Corner property on left, junction with Kelsall Street, Teale Fireplace co. and Albion Brewery Ltd, no.48. No.46 Robert Rauchke surgical instrument maker. No.44 Royal Registry, William Henry Pinder, emigration and shipping agent also servants registry office. 40/42 vacant with 'To Let' poster, second floor windows with change of adress notices. 'Walker and Normanton, architects' have moved to Station Parade, Harrogate.

11. Leeds city centre

Woodhouse Lane in September 1903. Corner property on left, junction with Kelsall Street, Teale Fireplace co. and Albion Brewery Ltd, no.48. No.46 Robert Rauchke surgical instrument maker. No.44 Royal Registry, William Henry Pinder, emigration and shipping agent also servants registry office. 40/42 vacant with 'To Let' poster, second floor windows with change of adress notices. 'Walker and Normanton, architects' have moved to Station Parade, Harrogate. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

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Briggate by night from a postcard with postmark November 7, 1903. The Empire Palace Theatre is on the right and the junction with Queen Victoria Street in the centre.

12. Leeds city centre

Briggate by night from a postcard with postmark November 7, 1903. The Empire Palace Theatre is on the right and the junction with Queen Victoria Street in the centre. | Artemis, Leeds City Council Photo: Artemis, Leeds City Council

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