SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

With the news that Tetley's Brewery is to close it will be very interesting to see what happens to Salem Church site which I know Tetley's wanted to buy for years when the brewery was in it's ascendancy. I have very close and dear links with Salem Church. Does anyone on this forum have links with the place? Just for interest sake I will add a few of my memories of Salem-I went to this church most of my young life. Charlton House was named after a former minister, The Rev. Norman Charlton. I was good friends with his sons Neil and Roger. As well as a place of worship the building housed a cafe, a snooker hall and meeting rooms on the ground floor with a gymnasium and woodwork shops in the cellar. The were 2 very large ballrooms on the first floor, namely the Baines Hall and the Youth Hall both having stages. I have so many happy memories of Salem and my late mother played a key role on various committees. She was also head of the Sunday Schools. I was in the Scout movement at Salem and used to attend summer camp at the Hope Memorial Hall in Braithwaite. I see on the News that Tetley's Brewery are to move out of Leeds which may mean that Salem could be knocked down. I must go down there again soon to take some B&W pictures of the place before they pull it down. Does anyone know of any means of access?    

they you go a few photos for you i took this yearhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/24568668@N04/sets ... 945761033/

While I have no actual link with the Salem Church it is an outstanding and pleasing building which has always been a notable feature of the inner City once you cross Leeds Bridge. It seems a long time ago since the main arterial bus routes went along Hunslet Road (before Tetley land acquisition/expansion) joining the present road layout at the bottom of Black Bull Street. Running time to and from Briggate in horrendous traffic on the then narrow Hunslet Road was seven minutes to the "Swan Junction", now also long gone. Surely the distinctive Salem Church is listed ?? If not well it should be, and I hope it survives against the odds for it is truly a gem in a very special area of "Old Leeds."

Anyone know anyone with the keys for some internal pictures?

Phill_dvsn wrote: Anyone know anyone with the keys for some internal pictures? Have a universal master key Phill but it's 3 foot long and rather conspicuous to Mr Plod

I am pleased to see the interest in Salem. I will try and contact the people I used to know and enquire about access. in the mean time I can give a walk through guide from memory if anyone is interested. Let me know. I am thinking of going down to the area tomorrow, Saturday to try and take one or two pictures. I will also have a word with the guys on the Tetley's gate house and see what I can unearth

I went down to Salem again today to re take some pictures. A friend who came with me commented that the building would make a good concert venue and I agree with him it would. I contacted the planning department today but they had no planning in for the building. I am proposing to speak to the Civic Trust and discuss the idea. If something like this could happen I would see it as a fine tribute to my late Mother who gave so many years service to Salem. I will report on any development

Very good luck with such a worthwhile venture Kenneth - it is a really iconic gem in a very special little area of our beloved "Old Leeds."

BLAKEY wrote: Very good luck with such a worthwhile venture Kenneth - it is a really iconic gem in a very special little area of our beloved "Old Leeds." Nick Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. If I am able to gain access I will post dates and maybe those interested might like to take part

Hi Kenneth.When I was researching wells and springs back in the 1990's,I enquired about the well that Tetley's used originally to draw water from to brew their beer.I was told that the spring originated roughly below the Salem Chapel site.It would make a good concert venue.