Leeds Kirkgate Market has welcomed generations of shoppers down the decades. It became the largest indoor market in Europe when it opened in 1857 and through the years has had a tough life with scars to prove it. These photos turn back the focus on life in the market during the 1980s, a time when it was on the rise after a devastating fire in December 1975. Do you remember these stalls and traders? CHANGING LEEDS: The night Kirkgate Market was devastated by fire | 20 photos of Vicar Lane through the years LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
![A thriving Kirkgate Market pictured in April 1981.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE1Nzg5NTcw.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
![June 1981 and fresh sprouts were 40p per kilo on this stall while seedless clementines were six for 40p.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE1Nzg5NTcx.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
2. Kirkgate Market in the 1980s
June 1981 and fresh sprouts were 40p per kilo on this stall while seedless clementines were six for 40p.
![May 1981 and seven miles of scaffolding were hanging from the ceiling as the market underwent a facelift.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE1Nzg5NTgz.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
3. Kirkgate Market in the 1980s
May 1981 and seven miles of scaffolding were hanging from the ceiling as the market underwent a facelift.
![Graham Mills works from removing the grime from the metalwork in the ceiling in April 1981.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE1Nzg5NTg0.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
4. Kirkgate Market in the 1980s
Graham Mills works from removing the grime from the metalwork in the ceiling in April 1981.
![Workmen put the finishing touches to some of the new stalls in the new look market in November 1981.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE1Nzg5NTg4.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
5. Kirkgate Market in the 1980s
Workmen put the finishing touches to some of the new stalls in the new look market in November 1981.
![A view of the new look Kirkgate Market in November 1981. Did you ever visit the Georgian Cafe?](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/QVNIMTE1Nzg5NTg5.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
6. Kirkgate Market in the 1980s
A view of the new look Kirkgate Market in November 1981. Did you ever visit the Georgian Cafe?