SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

Upon the return of Tuesday, arrives the spirit of Victoriana, for even in the days of her most serene majesty Alexandrina, older structures of great import were catalogued by her loyal subjects.No longer is this place extent, yet from the witness it can be conceded that this place was foremost among the 'institutions' of fair Leeds.Where XXXXXX has been entertained, and where Georgian Leeds celebrated its mightiest orgies. This place was the centre of gravity, commercial and social, in the days when Briggate was devoted to so many strange purposes. Parsons and schoolmasters were elected there over pipes and gin. Grass grew in front of it.Bonfires were kindled upon the grass and barrels of ale broached at them, when King George III was proclaimed King.In all remarkableness there exists photgraphic evidence

electricaldave wrote: Upon the return of Tuesday, arrives the spirit of Victoriana, for even in the days of her most serene majesty Alexandrina, older structures of great import were catalogued by her loyal subjects.No longer is this place extent, yet from the witness it can be conceded that this place was foremost among the 'institutions' of fair Leeds.Where XXXXXX has been entertained, and where Georgian Leeds celebrated its mightiest orgies. This place was the centre of gravity, commercial and social, in the days when Briggate was devoted to so many strange purposes. Parsons and schoolmasters were elected there over pipes and gin. Grass grew in front of it.Bonfires were kindled upon the grass and barrels of ale broached at them, when King George III was proclaimed King.In all remarkableness there exists photgraphic evidence is it the moot hall? (old corn exchange)

The Moot Hall, I'd guess - ooh I think you beat me to it Wiggy!

These speculations are innaccurate, however the Old Moot was demolished prior to the invention of photography.The structure whose name I seek did not sit upon Broad Street where the Moot Hall resided but most certainly occupied a location on the successor thoroughfare and indeed existed during the lifetime of that structure.The Georgian coorporation swilled at it until their corporate credit was drowned in the refrain "Landlord, fill the flowing bowl!"......and he did not. On other celebrated occasions, when powder and patriotism were in the air, the troops quartered in the town were wont to fire "three volleys in front of the XXXXX XXXX XXX"

electricaldave wrote: These speculations are innaccurate, however the Old Moot was demolished prior to the invention of photography.The structure whose name I seek did not sit upon Broad Street where the Moot Hall resided but most certainly occupied a location on the successor thoroughfare and indeed existed during the lifetime of that structure.The Georgian coorporation swilled at it until their corporate credit was drowned in the refrain "Landlord, fill the flowing bowl!"......and he did not. On other celebrated occasions, when powder and patriotism were in the air, the troops quartered in the town were wont to fire "three volleys in front of the XXXXX XXXX XXX" I'm not sure the Moot Hall was demolished before photography... Then again, it depends which number moot hall you are talking about!

Yes, those two pictures definately show two different buildings!PS I know the answer to Dave's riddle, but I cheated - I've got Jackson's book too!!! Don't worry - won't tell!    

Indeed Si you are a gentleman and a gracious scholar Sir.'tis a puzzle and a quiz for not one subscriber has, even in passing, arrived nearly to the correct conclusion.I shall complete this description, however as such, a small, but condensed guide to Leeds, 'jacksons' is necassarily brief, there is but little further to add.On the 30th October, 1739, the declaration of war with Spain was proclaimed in Leeds, "with the usual solemnity, by the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council, the towns music playing before them 'Britons, strike home!' and it not only being our market, but a very great fair, the streets were filled with as great a course of people as ever was seen on any occasion"yet the volleys were fired and the bonfires litThe establishment whose identity we seek ceased its original trade in 1813, and from then on commenced another life for a famous publication well known to those who seek the archives in this fair city.

are we talking leeds mercury here somewhere??

Ah, the light begins to shine!

As the host of this thread, it would be impolite to allow the reader to remain in limbo as I am due to be absent for the week.I shall therefore provide one more fleeting sparkle, and if this structure still cannot be deduced, I must defer to Si who can complete the quest.These premises changed use in 1813 to become that early recorder of liberal information, the Leeds Mercury.In this capacity it remained until the improvements, that required demolition, indeed this fate is also recorded..Duncan Street "opened through Willow Tree yard" in 1788 and doubled in width a few years ago (1890 circa)This project had been mooted some time; for 29th September 1787, there is an order that the Treasurer, out of the stock of the corporation, pay to certain members of the Council, towards purchasing part of the premises of the late Wm Hutchinson, Esq., the sum of £200, for the purpose of opening and making a communication by a street from Briggate to Call Lane.The street was first called Fleet Street, and intended as a shambles by it's owner, Mr Potgeisser. Duncans victory at Camperdown, 11th October 1797, changed the name.It was immediately above Duncan Street where this Inn stood, and why the location sealed the fate of this famous inn.