Thornton’s Arcade, Leeds

Thornton's Arcade is the oldest covered shopping street in Leeds. It was the brainchild of Charles Thornton, owner of the Varieties Music Hall. He built the arcade in 1878 on the site of the demolished Old Talbot Inn, which dated to 1715.

Thornton's Arcade is three levels with a glass roof. The clock at the northern end of Thornton's Arcade was made by William Potts and Sons. It features four life-size figures of characters from Ivanhoe who strike the hours and the quarters. These figures were created by sculptor John Wormald Appleyard.

Entrances to Thornton's Arcade are on Lands Lane and Briggate. A prominent shop in Thornton's Arcade is OK Comics. It hosts regular events, competitions, signings and parties. Patrons will also find a coffee shop, salon, clothing stores, a bakery and a tattoo parlor.

The arcade also hosts an occasional night market that brings in local vendors who set up booths on the street in the evenings.