Leeds, England

Leeds and Louisville became sister cities in 2006. However, the relationship between the two cities began in the 1950s with a connection between the Brandeis School of Law and the University of Leeds’ law school. Leeds is the 3rd largest city in England and is a large industrial center. Louisville and Leeds both share a rich and storied history that is reflected in the city they are today.

  • 530,984

  • Located on the River Aire

    Its name is derived from Celtic and Latin roots which translate to “violent/boiling” “people of the fast-flowing river”

    The head of the city is called the “Lord Mayor”

    Mel B (Scary Spice and America’s Got Talent judge) is from Leeds

  • The first historical record of Leeds is from 730 AD

    The Leeds Grammar School was the first educational institution in Leeds founded in 1552

    The Industrial Revolution radically changed Leeds, increasing its population by over 150,000 as it became a large industrial center

    The Barnbow Tragedy: Barnbow was a large ammunitions factory that produced shells during WWI, an explosion at the factory in 1916 killed 35 people, the largest tragedy in Leeds to date

    Due to being inland, Leeds was subject to less German bombing than other British cities, but was still hit nonetheless

  • Marshall’s Mill: built in 1790, was the first factory in Leeds, a former flax spinning mill

    Leeds City Museum

    Armley Mills Industrial Museum: located at what was once the world’s largest wool mill

    Leeds Art Gallery

    Royal Armouries Museum

    Roundhay Park

    Briggate: historic shopping centre

    The Victoria Quarter: a shopping centre that features the largest expanse of stained glass in Europe

    Harewood House: magnificent country house built in 1771

  • Leeds West Indian Carnival: 3 day carnival

    Leeds International Film Festival 

  • British Burrito: wrap made of Yorkshire pudding filled with roast beef, coleslaw, chips, and gravy

    Fish and Chips

    Steak and Ale Pie

  • The University of Leeds School of Law is connected and engages in exchanges with Louisville’s Brandeis School of Law