Month: January 2023

In 1989, Waddingtons released a limited edition print run of Monopoly with only 500 sets being produced. This version of Monopoly replaces the traditional London streets with those from around the city of Leeds – an idea that was unique at the time and later inspired multiple city based Monopoly from the late 1990s. All profits generated from the sale went towards the Lord Mayor of Leeds‘ (Cllr Les Carter) appeal. Each set has a unique seal of authenticity with number (from 1 to 500) with The Lord Mayor owning Set #1.

Board:

The properties are as followed: Burmantofts, Sheepscar, Chapeltown Road, Regent Street, North Street, Great George St, Woodhouse Lane, Cookridge Street, Eastgate, The Calls, Kirkgate, Boar Lane, Wellington Street, City Square, Vicar Lane, The Headrow, Briggate, Albion Street, Lands Lane, Commercial Street, East Parade and finally Park Row. The stations are: City Station, Crossgate Station, Horsforth Station & New Pudsey Station; and the utilities: Yorkshire Electricity & Yorkshire Water.

Newspaper Article

“A LIMITED edition charity version of the world-famous Monopoly has proved a huge sell-out success for Leeds manufacturers Waddingtons. The 500 sets, using Leeds place names instead of London ones, were all snapped up within two hours of going on sale yesterday, leaving many people disappointed. Long queues had already formed outside the firm’s Rothwell premises when the doors opened at 8.45am.

The demand is such that Waddingtons boss Mr Victor Watson is consider producing another print run of the Leeds edition, with profits going towards the Lord Mayor of Leed’s appeal. However, he faces a dilemma because he is anxious not to upset those people who have already paid out £25 for a limited edition item.

‘Perhaps I should have set a higher price on the limited edition or produced some more, but we have still raised over £10,000 for charity’ he said.”

Collection

Number 333/500 is included in this collection.

The contents, board and box are identical to that of Monopoly sets produced from 1987 to 1993 (apart from the Leeds theme).

Two sets have sold recently. On the 5th January 2023, #192 sold for £190.50. #333 sold for £103.58. Another set (#244) is available for £180 (or best offer). However, The Mirror (in 2006) claimed that one set has sold at auction as much as £1,650.