The city of Leeds, situated on the River Aire, has a long-established tradition of industry (textiles, furniture, paper, leather, electrical equipment). Its primary importance is as the regional commercial and financial center as well as being the cultural hub of the area. The
university enjoys an outstanding reputation, especially the faculties of science and technology. Leeds is a good shopping center and has a number of interesting museums and art galleries, as well as an active musical life. The annual Leeds Festival takes place each year in Bramham Park. The many attractive parks and gardens in Leeds are ideal for relaxing walks. York and the Yorkshire Dales, 25mi/40km away, are wonderful places to visit.
The north-south M1 motorway and the east-west M621 intersect at Leeds. Leeds-Bradford airport is 8mi/13km northwest of the city center. There are good rail connections to all parts of the country from City station.
A ford over the Aire was here in Roman times, the town was actually founded in the 18th century with the development of the wool trade. The first British railroad line was constructed to transport the coal from the mine at Middleton 3mi/5km away to Leeds in 1758 and the first steam trains came into operation in 1812. The industrialization of the 19th century brought economic prosperity to Leeds which was based chiefly on textiles and manufacturing.
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