Deep within the Dark Arches. Pictured in January 1968. — Deep within the Dark Arches. Pictured in January 1968. | YPN

placeholder image — Deep within the Dark Arches. Pictured in January 1968. | YPN

Leeds Dark Arches: The story of an engineering marvel

By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 6th Sep 2024, 04:45 BST

It's the Leeds city centre landmark built using more than 18 million bricks and stones.

The Dark Arches - which span the River Aire, Neville Street, and Swinegate - were constructed to support a railway station, a project which was completed in 1869. This gallery features a range of images including a series from inside the landmark hidden from public view. READ MORE: 20 photos of Vicar Lane down the decades LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

An unseen view of the River Aire.

13. 2012

An unseen view of the River Aire. | other Photo: Jonathan Turner

Victorian engineering at its finest.

14. 2012

Victorian engineering at its finest. | other Photo: Jonathan Turner

The inside of the Dark Arches is cavernous.

15. 2012

The inside of the Dark Arches is cavernous. | other Photo: Jonathan Turner

The symbols and marks on the walls are intriguing.

16. 2012

The symbols and marks on the walls are intriguing. | other Photo: Jonathan Turner

The final photo from this collection by Jonathan Turner.

17. 2012

The final photo from this collection by Jonathan Turner. | other Photo: Jonathan Turner

Art on the walls of the Dark Arches.

18. September 2017

Art on the walls of the Dark Arches. | other

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