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 One thousand years old and still standing |
Abbey Road Kirkstall Leeds LS5 3EH United Kingdom |
One of the city's key historical landmarks, this Cistercian abbey is a relic of the 12th century and a survivor of Henry VIII's attack on England's monasteries. Situated in an area of open parkland three miles west of the city centre, Kirkstall Abbey remains remarkably well preserved despite the ravages of history. Still standing to its original height, it gives visitors a true sense of its former scale and spiritual resonance. A wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark Couvillion  |
 Photo: Neil Fitzgerald |
 Photo: Facing North East |
 Photo: Matt Edgar |
 Photo: Lee |
 Photo: hazel saxelby |
 Photo: Daniel Bradberry |
 Photo: Jakk Hayes |
 Photo: R J Wright |
 Photo: Carrie A Bonnington |
 Photo: fulvio.scian |
 Photo: Tom |
 Photo: Tony Bevington |
 Photo: Scorpiowes |
 Photo: Erika Wiggins |
 Photo: Matthew Brownnutt |
 Photo: Dan Osborne |
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An architectural tour de force |
Kirkgate Leeds LS2 7DJ United Kingdom +44 113 245 4012 |
This splendid example of Gothic Revival architecture has been Leeds' parish church since 1841, when it was built to replace a medieval church that had fallen into disrepair. Thanks to some unsympathetic town planning, the church is somewhat cut off from the city centre but it is definitely worth taking the time to find. The interior is particularly stunning - look out for the original Victorian fittings that reinforce the High Church atmosphere. Guide book available. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tony Preece |
 Photo: Guy Hatton |
 Photo: paul bevan |
 Photo: Elizabeth Wawrzyniak |
 Photo: kowalski84 |
 Photo: Steven Feather |
 Photo: Phil Songa |
 Photo: conxxion |
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Over 300 years old |
Lower Basinghall Street Leeds LS1 5EB United Kingdom +44 113 243 3845 |
As you walk up Park Row from Leeds City Station, you're bound to notice this eye-catching architectural masterpiece. Built in 1672 on the fringe of Leeds town, and ministered by Joseph Priestley (the man who discovered oxygen), the chapel was modernised in 1848. The ostentatious redevelopment of the chapel in a Gothic style received a fair amount of criticism and prompted the departure of many members of the congregation. Inside, the chapel is just as much a denial of its disestablishment genesis as the outside, with a typical stone pulpit and an abundance of stained glass. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tom Smith |
 Photo: James Washbourne |
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Understated Leeds landmark |
Cookridge Street Leeds LS2 3AW United Kingdom +44 113 244 8634 |
Leeds' relatively small cathedral dates back to the turn of the century - the result of the Corporation's decision to demolish the original to make way for traffic. The wonderful Gothic architecture makes it one of the city centre's most understated landmarks. Although it has hitherto been easy to miss, the recent opening of the nearby Millennium Square should help to bring this fine building to the attention of many more visitors. Architecture aficionados should check out the reredos (the structure above the altar) created by the celebrated Victorian designer AWN Pugin. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A hidden marvel |
New Briggate Mark Lane Leeds LS2 8JA United Kingdom +44 113 244 1689 |
Built in 1634 under the benefaction of local merchant John Harrison, this building is a marvellous - and rare - example of Gothic architecture from the medieval period. In 1860, the distinguished architect, Norman Shaw, said the church was "a specimen of church architecture to which no other town in England can produce a parallel". Hyperbolic words indeed, but words that prevented its planned demolition in the mid-1860s. The inside is breathtaking, and heavily adorned with woodwork carvings in a Flemish style. The wood of the pulpit and pews is dark, heavy and sombre, but is complemented by a menagerie of delicate figures - hermaphrodites, angels and other curious entities - looking down from the corbels and the chancel. It is a shame that they now look down upon spiritual pews devoid of a congregation. But the rest of us can see this architectural glory of internal and external design (ironically, on any day but Sunday), and perhaps through our attendance ensure its ongoing survival. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tim Green |
 Photo: Joff Williams |