Leeds on today's date (July 8) in 1840 and 1874

[Leodian]

The following are from John Mayhall's 'Annals of Yorkshire'. I hope they are of interest.Volume 1.July 8 1840. "The Leeds Zoological and Botanical gardens, Headingley, were opened this day. These gardens were originated by a company of shareholders, for the laudable object of providing recreation for the people. In a pecuniary way the scheme was unsuccessful, and the gardens were sold by public auction on the 18th of Dec,. 1848. John Smith, Esq., banker, was the purchaser, at a cost of £6,010. He afterwards sold them to H. C. Marshall, Esq. The gardens have since been been open to the public on payment of a small fee for admittance, under the management of Mr. Clapham, who held them on a lease until 1858."July 8 1840. "William Reynolds Rothery, rag dealer, Holbeck-lane, was taken out of the river Aire with his throat cut two inches deep. He was supposed to have been barbarously murdered, but by whom was not known."Volume 3.July 8 1874. "A meeting of Leeds women, at which 550 were present, was held in the Friends' Meeting-house, Woodhouse Lane, Mrs. Hind Smith presiding, when resolutions were passed and a memorial adopted praying the magistrates of the borough to grant no new licenses, and to reduce the number of existing licenses."