New book turns spotlight on Leeds Civic Trust blue plaques

Blue Plaques of Leeds: The Next Collection focuses on 98 unveiled by Leeds Civic Trust between 2001 and 2017 - the 30th anniversary year of the scheme.

Subjects featured include Leonora Cohen, the suffragette who famously smashed the case containing the crown jewels in the Tower of London; the city’s first black headteacher Gertrude Paul; and Yorkshire and England cricket greats Hutton and Sutcliffe - celebrated with a blue plaque at their Pudsey St Lawrence home ground.

Others include champion cyclist Beryl Burton and pioneering civil engineer John Smeaton as well as landmark buildings such as the Corn Exchange, Roundhay Park Mansion, the Grand Theatre and Whitelocks Public House.

Co-author, Dr Kevin Grady, said: “It was a pleasure to write this book. The history of Leeds – as told through its people, places and events - is a fascinating one. I hope that people will enjoy the stories we have been able to tell in this publication.”

Co-author, Bob Tyrrell, added: “Over the years, I have written many of the inscriptions on Leeds Civic Trust blue plaques, but a limit of 45 words means that we can only ever scratch the surface. This book enables us say so much more about the city’s rich history.”

The book is a companion to the earlier Blue Plaques of Leeds publication, which covered the first 66 plaques unveiled in the scheme.

Leeds Civic Trust promotes the improvements of Leeds in the spheres of planning, architecture, heritage and city amenities and is responsible for the blue plaque scheme in the city. Since 1987 the Trust has unveiled 180 plaques across the district celebrating people, events and buildings that have made a significant contribution to the city of Leeds

The Blue Plaques, typically made of cast aluminium, usually describe their subject in less than 45 words. And all of the city’s blue plaques are sponsored with the Trust relying on volunteers to maintain them.

Leeds Civic Trust will also be holding a special public talk on Monday, October 26, at 7pm via Zoom at which former Trust Director Dr Kevin Grady will talk about some of the subjects covered in the book. Participants will also receive information about how to purchase the book. To book for the event visit the Eventbrite website and search for “Blue Plaques of Leeds.”

The book, priced at £14.99 plus postage and packing, can be bought online via: leedscivictrust.org.uk/whatwedo/heritage/blue-plaques/blue-plaques-of-leeds or by emailing [email protected] or by telephoning 07942 670333.

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Laura Collins