The Yorkshire Ripper Files: Why Chapeltown in Leeds was the ‘hunting ground’ of Peter Sutcliffe

Many of his attacks came after he had cruised the streets looking for victims, and the area’s reputation as a red light district meant that it was easier for him to persuade women to get into his car while soliciting.

Chapeltown - what the area was like in the 1970s

Chapeltown, which lies to the north-east of the city centre, was once an affluent district of Leeds, developed in the 19th century for the city’s emerging merchant classes. Many architecturally significant villas and mansions were built in the area and several of Leeds’ mill owners had large residences in Chapeltown. It became a hub for the Jewish community following their migration from Europe. Cheaper terraced housing was later built on the remaining land between the substantial properties and the city centre.