Chance to explore Leeds' urban history

The event takes place at Leeds Library on Saturday, June 18 (9.15am-4pm), and is being led by Leeds Beckett University historian, Dr Shane Ewen.

The event is an opportunity for participants to learn some of the main methods and sources available to research their own urban histories.

The day will be made up of talks and practical, hands-on workshops, using the Leeds Collection compiled by the Thoresby Society and held at the Leeds Library.

The group will take part in a mapping activity, creating their own trails around the centre of Leeds based around themes such as work/industry, politics, housing and leisure.

In the afternoon, there will be a walking tour of central Leeds, taking in some of the city’s known, and lesser-known, landmarks.

Dr Ewen said: “Urban history is all about researching the history of urban places in their wider regional, national and even international context.

“It is interested in the history of towns and cities, as well as the streets, public spaces, districts, neighbourhoods, buildings and the people who live and work there.

“Urban historians use a range of sources in their research – maps, plans, directories, newspapers, photographs, film, and the buildings and spaces around us in the contemporary city.”

Tickets for the event, which include lunch and refreshments, are priced at £5 and can be booked at http://bit.ly/UrbanHistoryDay.