Churches and Castles

RFarrell · Post by **RFarrell** » Sun 15 Apr, 2007 12:27 am

Adel probably is - Barwick has only a few traces of its Norman origins whereas Adel is a very intact for a Norman church. The earlier bits of Kirkstall Abbey are about the same age.

simon2710 · Post by **simon2710** » Sun 15 Apr, 2007 2:16 pm

I aggree, not much in Leeds in the way of castles lol. But look at Roundhay Park somewhere and there is something that looks like an old castle. Its not exactly a castle but a "folly". Follies where built for the rich/famous so they could have a smaller place to go that looked rich. The folly at Roundhay was built in the style of "a medieval gateway". It was built in the early 1820's.

raveydavey · Post by **raveydavey** » Sun 15 Apr, 2007 6:52 pm

There is of course, King Arthurs Castle at Meanwood.Probably not actually a castle and even less likely to have anything to do with King Arthur, the "castle" sits at the top of the hill between the David Lloyd Centre and Cardinal Heenan School just off Tongue Lane.It's certainly an ideal position for a castle as it's one of the highest spots of land in the area, but it consist of little more than a few large stones / boulders.I can remember going up there as a child (my grandparents lived just off Tongue Lane, behind where the the Pennyfields (I think) School was built) and that was the local legend.On a more serious note, aren't the earthwork remains of a castle to be found somewhere around Barwick?

Phill_d · Post by **Phill_d** » Sun 15 Apr, 2007 8:19 pm

I was passing St Johns on Saturday & had a look inside. The big man upstairs can't have been very impressed with my 1st visit to a church other than a wedding or a funeral (I never won the lottery like i asked) I must say it's worth a visit, The carved jacobean woodwork is amazing given it's nearly 400yr old. You never visit places in your own city do you?

Phill_d · Post by **Phill_d** » Sun 15 Apr, 2007 8:21 pm

There's some rather intricate & theatrical coloured corbel figures under every roof beam.

Phill_d · Post by **Phill_d** » Sun 15 Apr, 2007 8:29 pm

The memorial window to John Harrison the great benefactor. Thanks to the guy Ian who seems to have taken over the role of volunteer tour guide who pounced on me when he saw me taking the pics. He then went into GREAT DETAIL about the churches LONG history. Cheers Ian

Phill_d · Post by **Phill_d** » Sun 15 Apr, 2007 8:34 pm

The other stained glass window. I must be getting old thats all i can say-It's not that long ago i spent my Saurday afternoon's in the pub instead of photographing old churches. Next Saturday i might do a feature on the Leeds hangmans bridge. That should stir up some interest amongst the more ghoulish element

Barwicker · Post by **Barwicker** » Sun 15 Apr, 2007 8:46 pm

The earthworks mentioned above in Barwick are the remains of a Norman Motte & Bailey, again roughly 12th Century, built within the bounds of a much earlier Iron Age defensive fortification. Much time and effort has been spent recently by members of the Histotical Society, Maypole Committee, Barwick in Bloom and the Parish Council in improving access to and the safety of this site. Access can be gained from a gate to the side of Barwick Methodist Church but some parts pf the Iron Age site are privately owned.During WW2 a ROC observer post was placed on top of the fortifications, the base remains to this day

Barwicker · Post by **Barwicker** » Sun 15 Apr, 2007 8:51 pm

I think the "King Arthur's Castle" mentioned above was actually known as "King Alfred's Castle" . Some of the nearby roads are certainly called "King Alfred's xxxx"

raveydavey · Post by **raveydavey** » Sun 15 Apr, 2007 9:07 pm

Barwicker wrote: I think the "King Arthur's Castle" mentioned above was actually known as "King Alfred's Castle" . Some of the nearby roads are certainly called "King Alfred's xxxx" I think you're right - still it was 20-odd years ago!