In the late 18th and early 19th centuries Leeds was treated to hot-air balloon ascents by some of the most celebrated aeronauts of the period. The story of these extraordinarily intrepid, inventive, and courageous individuals is little told but sure to intrigue, inspire, and inform.
The talk uses two historic Leeds city-centre fires as case studies: the destructive fire beneath Leeds Station in 1892 and the Wellington Street warehouse and hotel fire of 1906. Through these examples, it demonstrates how the Goad plans can be used to reconstruct the built environment, identify fire hazards, and understand the challenges faced by firefighters and insurers alike.
Join staff from the Heritage & Research department for an informal session exploring the history of Garforth through unique collections available at the Central Library.
In “Radical Roots” The Red Shed Players explore the lives of four strong characters who played important roles in our history:
Robert Owen - Industrialist and Dreamer
Feargus O’Connor - The Lion of Freedom
Alice Mann - Printer and Activist for the Charter
Emma Martin - Preacher of Absolute Equality
Self-publishing has always been an important part of print and, in its 400 years of existence, Leeds has played a leading role. Join us as we take a trip through the history of self-publishing in the city.
Join staff from the Heritage & Research department for an informal session exploring the history of Holt Park through unique collections available at the Central Library.
Join staff from the Heritage & Research department for an informal session exploring the history of Pudsey through unique collections available at the Central Library.
This workshop, led by Professor Laura King, will take a look at the life and experiences of 'Woodbine Lizzie', the nickname of Alice Porter, a woman who lived an unconventional life, much of it on the streets of city centre Leeds in the 1920s and 1930s.
