
Contact Details:
Lands Lane, Leeds, LS1 6LB
01132469366
Show on map
-
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Thornton’s Arcade
Charles Thornton, (1820-1881), was the owner of the Old White Swan Inn in Swan Street, and the proprietor of the Varieties Music Hall. (Now the Leeds City Varieties.) In 1873 he built a block of shops and offices, Thornton's Buildings, at the junction of the Upper Headrow with Lands Lane. In 1875 Thornton applied for permission to demolish the Old Talbot Inn on Briggate, and to build a new arcade of shops on the site. The Talbot was one of the oldest inns in Leeds. Thoresby writing in 1715, describes frescoes painted on the walls of a room in the Inn. The Inn was used for cockfighting, and in the 17th century was where the circuit judge stayed when he was in Leeds. The arcade was originally designed by Charles Fowler, a Leeds architect, but the Borough Engineer would not agree to the designs because of problems with the drainage. Charles Thornton changed his architect, and engaged George Smith, whose altered plans met with approval. The arcade was opened in May 1878. The arcade is three storeys high, with a glass roof. At the northern end is a clock with a mechanism made by William Potts and Sons of Leeds. It has four life-size figures of characters from Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe. Richard Coeur-de-Lion, and Friar Tuck who strike the hours, and Robin Hood and Gurth the Swineherd who strike the quarters. They were made by the Leeds sculptor John Wormald Appleyard. At the other end of the arcade is the head of a woman, with long curling hair and a large hat. It is modelled on the painting of the Duchess of Devonshire by Gainsborough. Thornton's Arcade was refurbished in 1993.
Explore The Neighbourhood
Pop Up West Indian Front Room Party
Joyful pop up for of all ages recreating the vibes of a typical West Indian ‘front room’ party of the 1960s and 70s in the…
Learn MoreLGBT+ Coffee and Cake Cafe 2022
Join us on the evening for our accessible LGBT+ affirmative family friendly event to meet others, play board games, enjoy cake and refreshments or just…
Learn MoreCandlelight: A Tribute to Queen
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Leeds. Buy your tickets…
Learn MoreLeeds Academy For Hairdressing And Barbering: Free Taster Day
We know that some people may be a little hesitant about committing to a course, especially those who are thinking of a career change. So…
Learn MoreMilton Jones in Milton: Impossible
One man. One Mission. Is it possible? No, not really. Milton reveals the truth about being an international spy, before being given a disappointing new…
Learn MoreTo Have and To Hold – 40 Years in the Making
This exhibition showcases perfect gift ideas for the first ten years of married life handcrafted with love from paper, cotton, leather, flowers, wood, iron, wool,…
Learn MoreTurtle Bay Leeds
Leeds site of the popular restaurant and bar chain. Eating and drinking is at the heart and soul of the Caribbean Island culture and we,…
Learn MoreLeeds Central Library – Tiled Hall
Spacious café with grand marble columns, stunning ornate tiles and a barrel-vaulted mosaic ceiling.
Learn MoreVictoria Gate Casino
Let us entertain you.... Catch all the best live sports action, from NFL to football, rugby to racing on high definition screens. Or settle in…
Learn MoreHotel Chocolat
Something special is happening in Leeds. A boisterous rush of cocoa beans, a mysterious rattle and whoosh, the hypnotic flow of molten chocolate onto a…
Learn MoreFibre
It's been 19 years since Fibre burst onto Leeds scene and what an amazing journey it's been! Reinventing itself through time, Fibre sits firmly as…
Learn MoreLaynes Espresso
Laynes Espresso is a haven for Leeds commuters. Positioned just a stone’s throw away from Leeds Train Station. Laynes use a range of the best…
Learn MoreLeeds Central Library – Art Library
Leeds Central Library is a public library in Leeds. Situated in the city centre, on Calverley Street, it houses the city library service's single largest…
Learn MoreWhitewall Galleries
A New Experience in Fine Art. Whitewall brings the finest artwork from around the world to a discerning audience of art lovers. Placing the emphasis…
Learn MoreHenry Moore Institute
The Henry Moore Institute welcomes everyone to visit their Galleries, Research Library and Archive to experience study and enjoy sculpture from around the world. Find…
Learn MoreEveryman Leeds
Sitting in the heart of Trinity Leeds, Everyman Cinema offers a unique experience beyond just films. Delivering quality films, food and service with a luxury…
Learn MoreThe HiFi Club
The HiFi Club is a nightclub and live music venue, three times winner of both the 'Best Nightclub' and 'Best Live Music Venue' at the…
Learn MoreTravelodge Vicar Lane
Travelodge is the fastest growing budget hotel chain in the country with hotels across the UK. Located in the heart of the city, Travelodge Vicar…
Learn MoreThe North Face
The North Face Store is a joint venture between Cotswold Outdoor and The North Face. The shop offers an extensive range of apparel, footwear and…
Learn MoreBeaverbrooks
We're located in the heart of the up and coming jewellery quarter on Commercial Street in Leeds. At Beaverbrooks, we believe itís about how we…
Learn MoreHepworth’s Deli
Hepworth’s Deli is an excellent modern deli. Although the venue is on the small side, they have utilised the space to give the diner a…
Learn MoreDiscovery Inn Hotel Leeds
The Discovery Inn – Leeds is close to the financial and business districts of Leeds. The shopping centres, cafes and pubs are a short walk…
Learn MoreLIVIN’Italy Dough House
Authentic Italian pizza and skillfully-made cocktails at this new Italian restaurant on Cloth Hall Street in the centre of Leeds.
Learn More