Leodis: 400 Years of Leeds in the Leeds Libraries Collections
Discover 400 years of Leeds’ history through the inspiring collections of Leeds Libraries – from 17th century manuscripts to football fanzines, via rare maps, photographs, film footage, memoirs, newspapers, pamphlets, and, of course, books. Explore some of the city’s richest treasures and learn more about how Leeds Libraries have preserved historically significant archives for past, present, and future generations.
Want to know more about Leeds Libraries Local Studies resources, articles, events, and workshops? Subscribe for our monthly newsletter and have all our news direct to your inbox: https://bit.ly/LeedsLocalHistoryNews
Part of the Leeds400 celebrations in 2026.
Image: “Butch & Mates” in front of properties in Servia Hill, Woodhouse (1970). Taken from the Leodis image archive: https://www.leodis.net/viewimage/119363
More Events
Folk Song in the North of England – Traditional Song Forum Autumn Conference with Leeds Libraries
10th October 2026 - 10th October 2026
Folk Song in the North of England – Traditional Song Forum Autumn Conference with Leeds Libraries Frank Kidson (1855-1926) was a key player in the…
Ralph and John Went to Church: Ralph Thoresby & John Lewis, the first recorded Black person in Leeds
7th October 2026 - 7th October 2026
On February 1 1708 a remarkable thing happened – Ralph and John went to church. Ralph was Ralph Thoresby, the Leeds antiquarian and diarist. John…
Piety and Profit: Contrasting Careers in Stained Glass
21st October 2026 - 21st October 2026
Victorian Leeds was home to a flourishing stained-glass industry, yet the men behind it were remarkably different. This talk by Samantha Yates explores the lives…
400 Years of Leeds, through the Collections Of Leeds Museums and Galleries
5th November 2026 - 5th November 2026
To celebrate Leeds 400, join Assistant Community Curator Pat Bourne, from Leeds Museums and Galleries, as he takes you through his personal choice of museum…
Alice Mann – The Radical Woman Who Beat The Establishment
23rd September 2026 - 23rd September 2026
From riots and radical politics to prison cells and printing presses, Alice Mann lived an extraordinary life. Widowed with nine children, she defied the authorities,…
The Sights and Sounds of the Leeds Tercentenary, 1926
14th October 2026 - 14th October 2026
In this illustrated talk Robert Demaine will look back 100 years to an earlier anniversary in the city’s history: the Leeds Tercentenary of 1926. Still…
Explore The Neighbourhood
Ginger Johnson: Show Pony
You’ve seen her in the Masterchef kitchen! You’ve seen her on the Drag Race runway… Now it’s time to see her in her element: outrageous,…
Learn MoreSteve Backshall Deadly Live!
Get ready, Leeds! Deadly Live! is coming to first direct bank arena this Autumn half-term for another action-packed, edge-of-your-seat experience based on the hugely popular…
Learn MoreThe Brain Bending Science Illusion Show
Join The Magical Mr West and his corvid companion Crowbert on a journey into the brain bending world of science illusions! Prepare to be astounded…
Learn MoreAn Evening with David Lascelles: Earl of Harewood
Prepare for the astonishing true story of the high-profile hostages who survived Colditz. We are delighted to welcome David Lascelles to The Old Woollen to…
Learn MoreThe Long Play Sessions: Janine Warren: In Conversation and Book Signing
The Long Play Sessions is proud to kick off our Autumn/Winter season at ICMP Leeds, hosting Janine Warren as she discusses her superb new book…
Learn MoreSimon Brodkin: Unleashed
He’s the comedian who showered FIFA president Sepp Blatter with cash, handed Prime Minister Theresa May her P45, and created the smash-hit BBC comedy series…
Learn MoreGrounded & Co.
We’re more than just a coffee shop. At Grounded & Co, we believe coffee is about connection, the conversations it sparks, the moments it creates,…
Learn MoreKapow Coffee Thorntons Arcade
Independent Coffee Shop located in Thorntons Arcade. A calm location in one of Leeds’ historic shopping arcades just steps away from Briggate – the main…
Learn MoreDirty Martini
Dirty Martini the place for after-work drinks, cocktail making classes and sophisticated late night partying! At the heart of the city centre, this is a…
Learn MoreFriends of Ham
Eating and drinking emporium complete with a Tasting Room, Delicatessen, Log Burner and Outdoor Seating. Serving up Specialist Beers, Wine, Sherry, Cheese and Charcuterie. Friends…
Learn MoreTruly Scrummy
A unique café based in the heart of Horsforth community, Truly Scrummy delivers a wide range of products made fresh on site whilst supporting local…
Learn MoreForde
Come with friends for a selection of supreme small plates, Yorkshire meats, cheeses and an outstanding selection of fine wines from around the world.
Learn MoreLight Space Leeds
Light Space is a professional photography studio and events space right in the heart of Meanwood. We celebrate all kinds of creative curiosity, being home…
Learn MoreCalverley Library
Join for free and borrow books, eBooks, eAudio and more. We also provide help for people to get online and run events and activities for…
Learn MoreMiddleton St. George’s Centre Community Hub and Library
Join for free and borrow books, eBooks, eAudio and more. We also provide help for people to get online and run events and activities for…
Learn MorePudsey Civic Hall
Pudsey Civic Hall is a Conference/ Events venue we also available for Parties/Shows/Collectors Fairs etc. Pudsey Civic Hall has a large floodlit car park, 24000…
Learn MoreThe Sculpture Gallery
The Sculpture Gallery is an outstanding new gallery, of pure sculpture, showcasing the work, not only of the six Sculptors below, that own and run…
Learn MoreKirkstall Educational Cricket Club
The Field of Dreams and the home of Kirkstall Educational Cricket Club!
Learn MoreArdsley and Tingley Library
Join for free and borrow books, eBooks, eAudio and more. We also provide help for people to get online and run events and activities for…
Learn MoreThe Electric Press – The Switch Building
Home to Be At One, Catherine’s Place, Red Chilli, Revolution, Tavernaki and SAE/ICMP, the Electric Press provides drinking, dining and dancing options, a theatre, a…
Learn MoreGarforth Community Hub and Library
Join for free and borrow books, eBooks, eAudio and more. We also provide help for people to get online and run events and activities for…
Learn MoreLeft Bank Leeds
Left Bank Leeds is an arts and events venue based in the unexpected and breathtaking surroundings of the former St Margaret of Antioch church building…
Learn MoreThe Mansion, Leeds
This fabulous 1820’s Regency Grade II listed building with its colonnaded grand entrance and unrivalled views overlooking the Upper Lake of Roundhay Park, nestles perfectly…
Learn More