Take a trip down the memory lanes of Leeds

But this week we are taking you on a trip down memory lane instead to some of Leeds’ hidden and secret spots.

Heritage Open Days is a national event that is now in its 22nd year and runs at various locations across the country.

And while the Leeds skyline is ever changing with city style modern glass structures, shopping centres and mass urban regenerative projects – delve a little deeper and you will find the foundations of what much of the city’s heritage was built upon.

It is the aim behind Heritage Open Days to reveal these historic monuments and buildings to the wider public who wouldn’t normally have access to them.

Leeds Civic Trust has 112 eventgs taking place between Thursday September 8 and Sunday September 11 – the largest programme outside of London.

Lynda Kitching, Chair of Leeds Civic Trust said:“It gets better every year.

“Once again, so many volunteers, building owners and organisations have responded to our call to become involved in Heritage Open Days, that we have 112 events this year.

“It is a great opportunity to show off the fantastic, varied heritage right across the Leeds area.

“I believe everyone will find something of interest during the four days.”

The programme includes guided walks, exhibitions and archives, houses, places of worship, industrial heritage and places of architectural interest.

Some of the walks take in the city centre Waterfront and others around the ‘Blue Plaques’ trail and Leeds University’s campus.

Away from the city centre people will be able to learn about Bramley, Shadwell, Wetherby, Seacroft, Guiseley, Holbeck, Clifford and Rothwell, and walk along Woodhouse Ridge and Roundhay Park’s Geology Trail.

Leeds Corn Exchange will show an historic exhibition, and Holy Trinity Church Boar Lane will host an art exhibition while there will be access to the special collections of 
Leeds Central and Armley libraries.

Gott’s Park Mansion will show off its grandeur, as will Farnley Hall and Lotherton Hall.

One of the highlights of the programmes will be the tours of the Tetley Brewery which in its hey day was one of the city’s largest employers.

Construction began in 1852 and by 1860 Tetley was the largest brewery in the North of England. In 1875 171,500 barrels were being produced each year.

In 1931, the Tetley headquarters building was built and the 1960 takeover of Leeds’ Melbourne Brewery confirmed it was the city’s largest brewer.

In the 1960s, it employed a thousand people and was the world’s largest producer of cask ale during the 1980s.

It was demolished in 2012 and the headquarters building is now home to contemporary art and represents an intriguing mix of old and new, the preservation and reinterpretation of heritage but also showing off potential future uses for the site.

For the full programme contact Leeds Civic Trust on 0113 243 9594.

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