Briggate, Leeds

The name Briggate is thought to be derived from "brycg", old English for "bridge" and "gata", old Norse for "gate." In 1207, Maurice Paynell, Lord of the Manor of Leeds, granted a charter to his burghers (tenants) to create the first borough of Leeds, Briggate, a street over the river Aire. Briggate today is the main street of Leeds.

Land along the Briggate has been owned in the medieval manner, in long strips of land leading in either direction from the street. This arrangement proved convenient for the building of shopping arcades. The first such arcade was Thornton's Arcade in 1878. The 20th century brought many changes to Briggate, including more arcades.

Leeds is famous for the arcades of Briggate. The Grand Arcade is on New Briggate. It is really two parallel arcades with a cross passage. It has a clock by William Potts & Son with two knight figures that strike the hours. Thornton's Arcade also has a William Potts & Son clock featuring the characters of Richard I, Robin Hood, Friar Tuck and others.

Queen Victoria Street has been an arcade since 1990. The Central Arcade opened in 2012. Briggate is pedestrianized and thick with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Talented buskers abound. On weekends the street is filled with performers, artists and human statues.