December 1975: Memories of Leeds Kirkgate Market's darkest day

A devastating fire ripped through the indoor market on the evening of Saturday, December 13, 1975, leaving two-thirds of the site in ruins.

Thankfully no lives were lost, but scores of stalls and shops were destroyed in a part of the market that dated back to the 19th century.

The site’s landmark 1904 Hall, however, had survived unscathed and just three days after the blaze it was open for business again.

Giant marquees, meanwhile, were put up in two nearby car parks – in the area now occupied by the Victoria Gate shopping centre – as temporary accommodation for traders displaced from the fire-hit section of the market.

And, by the summer of the following year, a permanent replacement hall – which is today known as the 1976 Hall – had been built and opened.

Now, ahead of this weekend’s 50th anniversary of the fire, members of the market community have been sharing their memories from the time.

A fascinating collection of photos and press cuttings telling the story of the blaze and its aftermath has also gone on display this week in the 1904 Hall.

One person who remembers the events of that fateful Saturday very well is Anthony Wiles, who has been working at the market since 1974.

Today Anthony is its assistant facilities manager but back in December 1975 he was part of its clerical staff.

“I’d been at work on the Saturday but had finished and was in town for a Christmas night out with colleagues,” he recalled. “I was walking along The Headrow and there it was, the market in flames. It was a massive shock, clearly, and something you never forget.

“It was incredible how people pulled together in the days afterwards – market staff, traders, councillors, shoppers, everyone. The 1904 Hall reopened very quickly, and we were able to get the temporary marquees up in the car parks within a few weeks.”

He added: “It was a huge effort and obviously a difficult time in many ways. I’m sure people have lots of different memories of their own – it’s hard to believe it was 50 years ago.”

The recovery was hailed by the then Prince Charles, who paid a morale-boosting visit to the site on the Wednesday after the fire.

Speaking during the visit, he said he was “amazed” at how quickly part of the market had been able to reopen.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “Leeds Kirkgate Market plays a hugely important role in life in Leeds and, for that reason, I know 1975’s fire was a shocking and upsetting event for many across the city.

“The story of how the market recovered is an inspirational one and it’s fascinating reading and hearing people’s memories from that time.

“The response in the days, weeks and months that followed is testament to the spirit and determination of everyone who was working and trading there. We must also, of course, remember the bravery shown by the firefighters who tackled the blaze.

“Fifty years on, I’m really pleased that we have been able to show our gratitude for all their efforts by marking this anniversary.”

Regarded as one of the jewels in the city’s heritage crown, Leeds Kirkgate Market opened in 1857 and since then has welcomed generations of locals and visitors from further afield through its doors.

It has also gone down in history as the birthplace of retail institution Marks & Spencer, with Michael Marks setting up his famous penny bazaar there in 1884.

In recent years, a multi-million pound programme of improvements has been carried out by the council to ensure the market’s future is every bit as bright as its past.

Footfall figures for 2024 showed it received more than 5.9 million visits over the course of the year, four per cent up on the total for 2023.

The photos and press cuttings relating to 1975’s fire will be on display in the 1904 Hall until the end of December .