SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

'Tempus fugit' is the maxim of the propicious industrialist and has proven for many another worthy of fair Leeds.Following such a wise accord, the opportunity again arises for the discerning reader, knowledgeable in local matters, but take heed of the warning - there may yet be sharper and keener fellows amongst us,What follows is a description rendered, for you to understand and express your parochial intimacy, and in such manner deliver a revelation for the entertainment of the assemblage present.Make haste, or be counted among the laggardly. "a splendid apartment, which would not disgrace a college", was one of the first, as it will continue to be, one of the principle buildings in xxxxx "the Picadilly of Leeds" - owing to the influence of this institution.The site was purchased in 1806 and opened in July 1808

Tempus fugit indeed, goodly sir. Therefore one might venture 'nunquam non paratus', or 'my uncle's lost his parrot'. Forsooth, might one venture to suggest that the esteemed premises in question are situated on that most pleasant of boulevards, Commercial Street? To wit, the Leeds Library?

Have to agree with you there Geordie. Only building I can thin of that was built at that time was the Leeds Library.

one concurs with ones peers above...the elegant neo-classical libraries buildings on commercial street...1808.

Egads, for this enquiry is undone and revealed.Upon the metaphorical head of the North-Eastern one, must the crown of laurels lie, whose deductions were not only first, but also the truth.It now only remains that this passage be exposed to all who are in attendance,.........., when it was removed from the old establishment, the ground floor of the Rotation office, in Kirkgate. It is a propriety establishment, in the hands of 500 proprietors.The first building was erected at a cost of £5000. It has however, since been much enlarged, and at considerable cost.The basement storey is occupied as shops, of which Jacksons fine art establishment is the chief. The front consists entirely of stone, divided, above the rusticated basement into five compartments by Ionic pillars, with windows of the same order in each division, the whole finishing in a bold cornice and entablature.The Library, approached by a staircase in the centre, contains about 80,000 volumes, mainly a well-selected collection of books, of which some are rare and valuable "including a collection of quarto tracts relating to the civil war" - shot rubbish as Carlyle calls them.The institution has at present a very energetic executive, who try to follow those whose labours in the past have caused it to be acknowledged as "one of the most comprehensive and excellent libraries in hte North of England". It owes its origin (1768 )in a great measure to the distinguished philosopher Dr. Priestley, at that time minister of Mill Hill Chapel.    

Have you lot swallowed a Victorian thesaurus?!!!

Si wrote: Have you lot swallowed a Victorian thesaurus?!!! Victorian thesaurus ??Surely the Thesaurus has been extinct for more than 65 million years?

Never mind your woe ElectricalDave. Their premature identification of your edifice is sad but Joyous, in the knowledge of the fair city of Ledes. Allway rememberNill carborundum illigitemis..Or(Don't let the b@5tards grind you down)

drapesy wrote: Si wrote: Have you lot swallowed a Victorian thesaurus?!!! Victorian thesaurus ??Surely the Thesaurus has been extinct for more than 65 million years? Not at all. There's one in Loch Ness.....

simonm wrote: Never mind your woe ElectricalDave. Their premature identification of your edifice is sad but Joyous, in the knowledge of the fair city of Ledes. Allway rememberNill carborundum illigitemis..Or(Don't let the b@5tards grind you down) ego sum puter mos vivo!!