Ralph and John Went to Church: Ralph Thoresby & John Lewis, the first recorded Black person in Leeds
On February 1 1708 a remarkable thing happened – Ralph and John went to church. Ralph was Ralph Thoresby, the Leeds antiquarian and diarist. John was John Lewis, a servant and the first recorded Black person in Leeds. How were the two linked? What brought John to Leeds? And what connections did Ralph have to the Caribbean? In this talk Danny Friar answers those questions and more when he tells the story of when Ralph and John went to church.
Part of the Leeds Libraries programme for Leeds400
More Events
Leodis: 400 Years of Leeds in the Leeds Libraries Collections
15th September 2026 - 11th November 2026
Discover 400 years of Leeds’ history through the inspiring collections of Leeds Libraries – from 17th century manuscripts to football fanzines, via rare maps, photographs,…
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…
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
Joan As Police Woman: 20 Years Of Real Life Tour
Joan As Police Woman returns to the Howard Assembly Room to mark the 20th anniversary of her landmark debut album, Real Life. Released in 2006,…
Learn More10cc’s Graham Gouldman & Heart Full of Songs
When 10cc co-founder Graham Gouldman formed what became Heart Full of Songs more than a decade ago, it was purely for the pleasure of playing…
Learn MoreVirgin Wines Wine Tasting
Virgin Wines are returning to Leeds for their annual wine tasting. It’s the perfect chance to try hundreds of different hand-crafted, boutique wines, meet winemakers…
Learn MoreSparky Saturdays: Looking Good
Can you design a shop window that will wow the crowds? Learn what it takes to become an M&S Visual Merchandiser and create your own…
Learn MoreLeeds Clubbing Revisited : 1990s pt II – DAYCLUBBING
Following our HUGE event last May focusing on the early 90s, we now turn to the mid/late 90s with 4 DJs who kept Leeds clubbing…
Learn MoreThe Irish House Party
At last, an Irish music show that has come out of Ireland without the clichés that usually follow! There are no twee costumes or backing…
Learn MoreCrowdedHouse
CrowdedHouse is Leeds’ all-day destination - a space that adapts to you. From solo coffees to spontaneous celebrations, it’s a place that moves with your…
Learn MoreThe Royal Park
Royal Park Cellars is situated in the basement of the Royal Park pub in the heart of the Leeds 6 community. It is the smallest…
Learn MoreBlackhouse Gastrobar
For 18 years, we’ve delighted guests with exceptional steaks sourced from both home and abroad — and with our new GASTROBAR look, that tradition proudly…
Learn MoreSantiago Bar
With one of the most extensive collections of hard alcohol in the whole city, an Itunes library to match it, and staff that party harder…
Learn MoreThe Inkwell Bar
With its cosy furnishings and impressive drinks selection, The Inkwell Bar is the perfect place to eat, relax and enjoy a morning coffee, business lunch…
Learn MoreLeeds Beckett University The Rose Bowl
The Rose Bowl, Portland Way, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, LS1 3HB
Learn MoreBowers Allerton Hall
Bowers Hall is in the heart of the community. The hall is used for Scouting groups, childrens holiday clubs, we would like to run senior…
Learn MoreThe Warehouse In Holbeck
It is a large warehouse space with two rehearsal rooms/performance spaces.
Learn MoreOtley Community Hub & 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 MoreWetherby Town Hall
The Town Hall dates from 1845 and is the most prominent building in the Market Place. It is Grade II listed and houses the Town…
Learn MoreInkwell Arts
Inkwell Arts is a creative wellbeing service from Leeds Mind. Linking creativity and mental wellbeing.
Learn MoreLeeds University Business School Esther Simpson Building
The innovative teaching centre provides world-class facilities that support participative learning and create an inspirational setting for staff and students. Aligning with the aims of…
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 MoreUnity Through Music Studio
Unity Through Music Studio is a Professional Recording Studio Supporting Teenager Cancer Awareness & The Donovan S Webster Trust fund in Leeds.
Learn MoreMorley Market
Welcome to Morley Market, your local hub for fresh produce, unique crafts, and vibrant community spirit since 1880. Located at Queen Street our market is…
Learn More