The day Leeds stockbrokers faced financial ruin

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 6th Oct 2022, 04:45 BST

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It was the month Leeds and beyond felt the pain of a global stock market crash.

Stockbrokers in the city were left counting the cost after the ‘Asian contagion’ a mini global stock market crash caused by an economic crisis in Asia, caused the Dow Jones Industrial Average to suffer its 18th biggest percentage loss since the its creation in 1896. This was October 1997, a month which also saw a new way to pay for low value everyday items launched in Leeds. Enjoy these photos, plucked from the YEP archive, showcasing 31 days in the life of your city at the back end of the 1990s. READ MORE: 43 photos to take you back to Leeds in 1997 LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

Enjoy these photo memories from around Leeds in October 1997. PIC: Gary Longbottom

1. Leeds in October 1997

Enjoy these photo memories from around Leeds in October 1997. PIC: Gary Longbottom Photo: Gary Longbottom

Assistant picture specialist Andre Zlattinger displays Briggate, Leeds, by painter John Atkinson Grimshaw at Phillips auctioneers in Leeds.

2. Leeds in October 1997

Assistant picture specialist Andre Zlattinger displays Briggate, Leeds, by painter John Atkinson Grimshaw at Phillips auctioneers in Leeds. Photo: Dan Oxtoby

Leeds United legend Jack Charlton was on a visit to the city to promote his autobiography.

3. Leeds in October 1997

Leeds United legend Jack Charlton was on a visit to the city to promote his autobiography. Photo: Mark Bickerdike

Actress Denise Welch, who played Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street made a guest appearance at the opening of Leeds Open Market.

4. Leeds in October 1997

Actress Denise Welch, who played Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street made a guest appearance at the opening of Leeds Open Market. Photo: Roy Fox

Dawn Ross of the Tesco supermarket on Roundhay Road tries some C.K. One perfume that was on sale in the store along with other designer names at reduced prices.

5. Leeds in October 1997

Dawn Ross of the Tesco supermarket on Roundhay Road tries some C.K. One perfume that was on sale in the store along with other designer names at reduced prices. Photo: Justin Lloyd

Scouts from 7th Spen Valley Gomersall group took to a charity climb at Leeds Wall. Pictured are Gary Beckett (left) and Oliver Batley.

6. Leeds in October 1997

Scouts from 7th Spen Valley Gomersall group took to a charity climb at Leeds Wall. Pictured are Gary Beckett (left) and Oliver Batley. Photo: Dan Oxtoby