Lady Beck

The water in this drain begins its journey on the Otley Chevin and flows into what starts out as Bramhope Beck before travelling through Golden Acre Park and turning into Adel Beck. It then, in turn, becomes Meanwood Beck and Sheepscar Beck before getting named Lady Beck here in Mabgate. Beyond the Meanwood Valley, the stream is mostly culverted underground. 

It is fascinating to think that Leeds owes its position to this channel of water. It deposited silt into the River Aire and along with Hol Beck doing the same from the south side, helped create a fording place that led to the growth of a small community. It was that settlement which eventually grew into the city of Leeds.

A final point of interest. Mabgate comes from Mab, an old word for a prostitute. Mabgate is literally 'Prostitute Street'. They didn't mince their words in those days!