The rise and fall of roller skating in Edwardian Leeds
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Leeds was one of a number of cities swept up in the Edwardian roller skating boom of the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The city boasted five roller skating rinks by 1909 in Oakwood, Kirkstall, Hunslet and Chapeltown and Headingley.
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Hide AdThe American Roller Skating Rink on St Michael's Lane in Headingley, advertised itself as a venue for well-being, as a social destination, and as an arena for sport.
It was advertised in local newspapers between October 1908 and January 1910.
The morning was free to all, the afternoon was free to ladies but one shilling to gentlemen, while the evening session cost everyone one shilling.
Skates could be hired throughout the day for one shilling per session. It also boasted a military band and offered afternoon teas.
By 1913 the building which housed the American Roller Skating Rink was converted to an industrial works.
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