Changes

==History==

==History==

During the 17th century, Leeds was predominantly a merchant town, manufacturing textiles which were exported by means of the Humber estuary. As trading increased throughout the 17th and 18th century, nearly half of England's exports passed through Leeds. The Leeds Corn Exchange, an important meeting place for tradesmen survives to this day and is a historic local landmark despite now being a shopping centre.

During the 17th century, Leeds was predominantly a merchant town, manufacturing [[textiles]] which were exported by means of the Humber estuary. As trading increased throughout the 17th and 18th century, nearly half of England's exports passed through Leeds. The Leeds Corn Exchange, an important meeting place for tradesmen survives to this day and is a historic local landmark despite now being a shopping centre.

==The Industrial Revolution==

==The Industrial Revolution==

The Industrial Revolution sparked a massive population growth in Leeds. The catalysts for this industrial growth were, as in merchant times, the superb transport links. Waterborne transport was originally via the Aire & Calder rivers but, in 1816, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal was completed allowing huge volumes of goods to be transported between these two cities and, via the famous docks at Liverpool, to the whole world.

The [[Industrial Revolution]] sparked a massive population growth in Leeds. The catalysts for this industrial growth were, as in merchant times, the superb transport links. Waterborne transport was originally via the Aire & Calder rivers but, in 1816, the Leeds and [[Liverpool]] Canal was completed allowing huge volumes of goods to be transported between these two cities and, via the famous docks at [[Liverpool]], to the whole world.

During the Industrial Revolution, Leeds was a centre for machinery manufacture as well as having thriving industries based on textiles, chemicals, leather and pottery. Being in the midst of a famous coal producing heartland, the first commercial railway (The Middleton Railway) was built to transport coal into the centre of Leeds.

During the Industrial Revolution, Leeds was a centre for machinery manufacture as well as having thriving industries based on textiles, chemicals, leather and pottery. Being in the midst of a famous [[coal]] producing heartland, the first commercial railway (The Middleton Railway) was built to transport coal into the centre of Leeds.

In 1893 Leeds was granted city status.  

In 1893 Leeds was granted city status.  

==Attractions==

==Attractions==

Leeds is the home of the world famous Headingley cricket ground situated in Headingley (a popular student area).

Leeds is the home of the world famous Headingley [[cricket]] ground situated in Headingley (a popular student area).

The Royal Armouries museum was built at Brewery Wharf in Leeds.

The Royal Armouries museum was built at Brewery Wharf in Leeds.

The New Penny is one of Leeds oldest public houses and is famous for its hospitality and traditional pub games.

The New Penny is one of Leeds oldest public houses and is famous for its hospitality and traditional pub games.

Gipton, a part of Leeds close to the city centre, is home to many beautifully landscaped parks and stunning modern architecture.

Gipton, a part of Leeds close to the city centre, is home to many beautifully landscaped parks and stunning [[modern architecture]].

Golden Acre park is a popular spot for local dog lovers with walking the dog ("dogging" as the locals call it) being a great way to meet new friends.

Golden Acre park is a popular spot for local dog lovers with walking the dog ("dogging" as the locals call it) being a great way to meet new friends.