Leeds Town Hall

[Rochester]

Visited with Mexico and Sasparella



Leeds Town Hall

Leeds Town Hall was built in 1858, on a site in Park Lane. It was a statement of civic pride, a reminder of the importance of Leeds as a centre of trade and commerce, and an indication of the wealth of at least some of its citizens. The building has become famous as an example of a kind of Victorian architecture that reflects the wealth, power and confidence of the age in which it was created.

There was much controversy over both the style of the building, and over the building works themselves. As the work progressed however, the idea of building a 'municipal palace' took over, and no expense was spared in creating a magnificent Town Hall. It is no wonder that the final cost far exceeded the original estimate for the work. Queen Victoria herself agreed to perform the opening ceremony, perhaps the most important celebration in the history of the city.

This is the story of the events that led up to that day, and of the many different ways that the Town Hall has been used since then; as council offices, as a courthouse.





The venue for concerts, royal celebrations, and events of all kinds. On the day it was opened it was at the centre of the life of the city of Leeds; it has remained so ever since.



My favourite part, No1 Court Room.





The Dock and the stairs to the cells, many a person has descended these very steps having just been awarded the maximum penalty...







The old Victorian cells remain, note the crude toilet in the left hand corner.









The shackles remain..

[evilnoodle]

Excellent! The cells are wonderful (although not for those who spent time in them obviously!).
The contrast between the grandeur of the upstairs rooms, and the change (painted brick and then bare, cold brick) as you walk down the stairs from the courtroom and on into the cells, is immense.
Really nice report :-)

[boxfrenzy]

Nice pictures. I love the courtroom, and the graffiti scratched into the woodwork. I like the fact that the design of the Town Hall was done to make sure it was better and more elaborate than Bradford Town Hall

[BA]

Nice shots there, great place

[sqwasher]

Cracking shots SS-those old cells are something else! Great to see the non used parts being so well looked after.

[Rebel]

Did'nt let you in the clock tower?

[SilentHill]

Excellent photo's.
The court room is fab. And those cells are amazing.
Been many an arse sat in there