The cause of the blaze on Saturday, December 13, 1975, remains uncertain to this day - there were suggestions either of an electrical fault or an overturned paraffin lamp. Either way, the flames spread quickly through Europe’s largest covered market and some 150 stallholders fled for their lives. These photos from the YEP archive showcase the devastation and the aftermath of the blaze which could not kill the spirit of the market or its traders, many of whom were back on their feet within days. Determined not to be beaten, traders crammed into whatever space they could find in undamaged sections of the market, mainly on the Vicar Lane side. READ MORE: The Dark Arches in 19 photos | 20 photos of Vicar Lane through the years LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
2. December 1975
A view across the wreckage of Kirkgate Market seen after fire destroyed two thirds of the site.
3. December 1975
The scene from Headingley as flames leap into the air to light up the night sky.
5. December 1975
The 110 firefighters who attended the blaze were successful in saving the beautiful 1904 building including the Vicar Lane frontage.
6. December 1975
A jumbled maze of twisted girders cools from white-hot incandescence as the blaze dies down.