The General Infirmary at Leeds,1816 The first purpose building Infirmary was opened in 1771 in what is now Infirmary Street. It was designed by John Carr, the architect of Harewood House. This view shows the building in 1806.
The history of Leeds comes under the spotlight again on Wednesdays in February (1.15pm – 1.45pm, 3rd–24th February) when Leeds Civic Director, Dr Kevin Grady, presents another series of half-hour lunchtime public lectures. This is Dr Grady’s ninth annual series of lectures. Previous series have been extremely popular attracting audiences of over 200 people to Holy Trinity Church on Boar Lane.
Leeds Waterfront in the 1870s This view of the River Aire looking east from Leeds Bridge shows the river dock area with the Aire and Calder Navigation warehouse on the left, the Parish Church in the middle and, on the right, the waterside warehouse which is now part of the present-day Victoria Quays housing complex.
“This year’s lectures look at four of the most important aspects of the development of the city over the last 300 years”, said Dr. Grady. “One of Leeds Civic Trust’s key roles is to promote interest in Leeds’ history and heritage. My lectures aim to tempt city centre workers to nip out of their offices to Holy Trinity Church to enjoy half an hour of the fascinating history of Leeds. “The lectures are very enjoyable to prepare and aim to be fun to listen to. The attendances in the last few years have been astonishing. People keep coming with such enthusiasm that giving the lectures is very worthwhile. The lectures are free and no booking is required. As in previous years, the lectures will be full of surprises.”
Leeds Waterfront in the 1870s This view of the River Aire looking east from Leeds Bridge shows the river dock area with the Aire and Calder Navigation warehouse on the left, the Parish Church in the middle and, on the right, the waterside warehouse which is now part of the present-day Victoria Quays housing complex.
Lecture One on 3 February:
‘Housing the Multitude’: The History of the Leeds Back-to-Backs
This lecture tells the fascinating story of the development of these at once infamous but now celebrated type of houses, from their creation in the yards of Briggate and Kirkgate in the Industrial Revolution to their spread right across the city in the Victorian period.
Lecture Two on 10 February:
‘Doctors, Surgeons and Infirmaries’: Medical Care in Georgian and Victorian Leeds.
This lecture traces the intriguing history of medical care in Leeds, focusing in particular on the story of Leeds General Infirmary, which was founded in 1767 and St James’ Hospital and recalls some of the famous Leeds doctors and surgeons such as William Hey, Charles Turner Thackrah and Sir Clifford Allbutt.
Lecture Three on 17 February:
‘On the Waterfront’: The Port of Leeds
This wonderfully illustrated lecture describes the development of Leeds as a major inland port from the 18th century to the present day.
Lecture Four on 24 February:
‘From Matthew Murray to HS2’: The Railways in Leeds, Past, Present and Future
This very topical lecture looks at the rip-roaring tale of the pioneering of the railways in Leeds with the creation of the Middleton Railway and the arrival of the first passenger railway from Leeds to Selby. It then turns to the development of all the railway stations on Wellington Street, and the dramatic impact of the building of the railway viaduct across the city centre in the Victorian period—something which has great implications for the coming of High Speed 2 to Leeds in the future.
For further details contact Leeds Civic Trust on 0113 243 9594, email
office@leedscivictrust.org.uk or visit www.leedscivictrust.org.uk