Ever been struck by the architectural beauty of Leeds, stopping short in your day to admire the Corn Exchange, the clock towers of Briggate, or the old Tetley signs dotted around town?
As more and more buildings with important pasts are confined to the annals of history, it’s a good time to reflect on some of the ones that are standing tall, wedged in the memory, still within our eyelines, and continue to embolden Leeds’ place on the map.
So we picked out a few of our favourites on Historic England’s register of protected sites to highlight:
1. Leeds Bridge - Grade II
The bridge is adorned with the city's coat of arms which features the 'golden fleece,' symbolic of Leeds' once flourishing wool industry. It's the oldest crossing point in town! | Jonathan Gawthorpe
2. Corn Exchange - Grade I
Arguably Leeds' crowning monument, and now housing a myriad of creative businesses, the Corn Exchange was designed by Cuthbert Broderick in 1861 - his name has been enshrined into the city's history at a Wetherspoons. | Jonathan Gawthorpe
3. Former Leeds Public Dispensary - Grade II
Purpose built from 1865-1867 in an Italianate style, the building provided medical support to vulnerable and poorer members of the Leeds community. It's now home to Richer Sounds. | Jonathan Gawthorpe
4. 115-120 Briggate - Grade II
With striking art deco and baroque features gracing the former department store, these features on Briggate are reflective of the evolving architectural fashions of the 20th century. | Jonathan Gawthorpe
5. Thornton's Arcade - Grade II
Finished in 1878, its namesake Charles Thornton later built the New Music Hall, and later the City Varieties and Thornton Buildings. It's eye-catching features now look down upon a row of independent stores popular with locals. | Jonathan Gawthorpe
6. Leeds College of Art and Design - Grade II
Formerly located on Rossington Street, where this feature resides, the institution has blossomed over the decades to become one of the leading arts universities in the UK. | Jonathan Gawthorpe