The story of a Leeds landmark once a hub of the city's social life

Assembly Rooms on Assembly Street provided the perfect venue for the nobility and gentry of Georgian Leeds thanks to its highly decorative ballroom and a suite of supper rooms and card rooms. It was built over the north wing of the Third White Cloth Hall and opened on June 9, 1777. Sir George Saville and Lady Effingham hosted the opening and the admission charge was half a guinea (52.5p) for one gentleman and two ladies. More than 200 people attended the event. It continued as a venue for evening entertainment and balls until the 1860s when the building became a Working Men's Institute and by the 1920s was renamed Waterloo House. This gallery of photos tells the fascinating story of the landmark building, located in the shadow of the Corn Exchange, which is still in use today. READ MORE: Watch - Secrets of Leeds Queens Hotel revealed including hidden tunnel LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia