Leeds has some of the most fascinating historical landmarks in all of the UK. There's the city's Corn Exchange, for example, which is an architectural marvel in its own right. The famous Victoria Quarter, on the other hand, is among the oldest shopping arcades in the country. While Harewood House and Abbey House Museum add a touch of that old-world grandeur that Europe is known for. Truth be told, Leeds deserves more credit as an interesting destination for history buffs. The city has many stories to tell, and many of them are hidden within its well-preserved landmarks.
Leeds Castle
Let's start with Leeds Castle, possibly the oldest landmark in Leeds. The fortress dates as far back as 857, and the fact that it still stands on the exact same spot is nothing short of extraordinary. It's undoubtedly one of the most well-preserved castles in the UK, not to mention among the most historic. Kings have used and resided in Leeds Castle. King Edward I used it as one of his many royal residences in the 13th century, and supposedly considered it his favorite. The infamous Henry VIII, on the other hand, had his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, live here too.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Leeds Town Hall
Located at the heart of the
Leeds City Centre, the City Hall is a definite must-see! The place is an architectural marvel, boasting a beautiful blend of Neoclassical and Baroque Revival styles. It's because of this old-world look that people think that it's older than it is. The building first opened on September 7, 1858, and served as the town hall until 1933, when the Civic Hall was opened in the same area. Queen Victoria herself opened the hall in a lavish ceremony.
Source: Flickr.com/ The Jaco
Leeds Corn Exchange
Located on Call Lane, right in the middle of the
central neighborhoods in Leeds, the Corn Exchange is one of the most famous spots in town. It's almost funny how famous it is since practically UK cities have their own corn exchanges, so it's not exactly a unique site. Nevertheless, the Leeds Corn Exchange is a man-made marvel in its own right. British architect Cuthbert Brodrick, who designed the Leeds Town Hall, also constructed this Neoclassical center of commerce. It's so beloved that it has since turned into one of the most popular malls in the city.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Royal Armouries Museum
At first glance, you almost couldn't believe that the Royal Armouries Museum is among the historic landmarks in Leeds. It's such a modern structure, a complete contrast to the many centuries-old structures on this list, that it's almost weird to consider it historic. But as its name says, the museum boasts several pieces from the National Collection of Arms and Armour. These are relics, weapons, and more that detail the history of warfare in the UK. Even King Henry VIII's actual armor is displayed here. You can't get any more historic than that!
Source: Flickr.com/ Tim Green
Kirkstall Abbey
Now, let's get back to actual historic buildings, namely Kirkstall Abbey. Dating as far back as 1182, this is one of the oldest Cistercian Abbeys in the UK. Unfortunately, history got the best of this beautiful medieval structure, leaving behind ruins that are just as enchanting, but not as well-preserved as the other landmarks on this list. Still, the ruins will satisfy any history buff who wants to learn more about the city's fascinating past. The site itself has also become a great place to visit on a sunny
day in Leeds.
Source: Flickr.com/ Tim Green
Harewood House
Harewood House is one of those
grand English mansions that belong in period films or TV series like “Downton Abbey” (2010 - 2015). Designed in that opulent Palladian architectural style, the manor has been around since the mid-1700s. One of the most astounding things about it is that it has belonged to the Lascelles family ever since. Renowned architects Robert Adam and John Carr designed and built it for the 1st Baron Harewood, Edwin Lascelles, and to this day, his descendants still own it.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Temple Newsam
Another grand manor in Leeds is Temple Newsam. The building itself will take anyone's breath away, even the most seasoned history buffs. The moment you step inside, it's almost as if you’ve traveled back in time. You're immediately whisked away to the Tudor area, especially since King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I themselves seized and granted Temple Newsam to various members of their courts during their reigns. If its walls could talk, they'll likely tell the most stunning stories about that particular time in British history.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Simon Cobb
Lotherton Hall
Since Harewood House and Temple Newsam are just so famous, Lotherton Hall tends to be forgotten among the many historic mansions in Leeds. Built in 1775, the estate is just as grand and undoubtedly just as historic as the others on this list. Not to mention just as enchanting. It's one of those places where you can easily imagine the British Royal Family and members of the aristocracy strolling about, scheming their way into prominence in the court, and enjoying their time in what is now one of the
best parks in Leeds.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Simon Lee
Victoria Quarter
Let's go back to the City Centre for this next one. Anyone who has visited or
moved to Leeds knows that the city has amazing shopping. Especially the historic Victoria Quarter! Now a Grade II listed building, this 19th-century shopping arcade still offers high-end brands, luxury labels, and more among its gilded halls. It may now be part of the newer Victoria Gate mall, but most of its structure has been well-preserved.
Source: Flickr.com/ traveljunction.
Whitelock’s
Still tucked away in an alley of Briggate, Whitelock’s is one of the oldest pubs, not just in Leeds, but in the UK! Constructed in 1700, the ale house is even older than the USA itself! Could you imagine dining in a traditional pub that's older than most of the modern world? And as historic as it is, Whitelock’s is still one of the
best places to eat in Leeds, too! It's a great place to indulge in local Yorkshire cuisine.
Source: Flickr.com/ Adam Bruderer
Leeds is among the most historic cities in the UK, and you can learn more about it when you check out some of its oldest landmarks. Not only do they give a peek into jolly ol' England, but the stories they tell are nothing short of amazing!
