SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

It's interesting that one of the few things that survive changes to the roads are the drainage or gully grates - some seem to go back to the mid 19th century. I've searched the web but can't find any sites dedicated to this much overlooked feature of our roads and streets. There are a number in the Leeds area that were made in the foundries of Leeds. I recall as a kid putting my hand down the cast iron grates in my street. Not only did these things show no sign of rust they appeared to be built to last a thousand years they were so thick and heavy.Heres a few I've seen around the web Shame Google street view can't resolve the details - we could travel the streets looking for old grates without leaving home.I wonder what the oldest one is    

And another - Fred Dyson Leeds

City of Leeds

William Towler and Co Ltd Globe Foundry Leeds    

Leeds Hippo wrote: It's interesting that one of the few things that survive changes to the roads are the drainage or gully grates - some seem to go back to the mid 19th century. I've searched the web but can't find any sites dedicated to this much overlooked feature of our roads and streets. There are a number in the Leeds area that were made in the foundries of Leeds. I recall as a kid putting my hand down the cast iron grates in my street. Not only did these things show no sign of rust they appeared to be built to last a thousand years they were so thick and heavy.Heres a few I've seen around the web Shame Google street view can't resolve the details - we could travel the streets looking for old grates without leaving home.I wonder what the oldest one is     Probably on the back of a flat back truck as we speak!!Something else the pikeys think are theirs for the taking!! One pinched from outside my sisters house yesterday!!

I'm glad I'm not the only person who finds this interesting! Wherever I go in the world I look out for Needham's of Stockport manhole covers since that is where I am from... A lovely vintage Needham's FH cover just off Woodhouse Lane was replaced with a new modern one a few weeks back, so don't assume that they will be staying!

Lilysmum wrote: Leeds Hippo wrote: It's interesting that one of the few things that survive changes to the roads are the drainage or gully grates - some seem to go back to the mid 19th century. I've searched the web but can't find any sites dedicated to this much overlooked feature of our roads and streets. There are a number in the Leeds area that were made in the foundries of Leeds. I recall as a kid putting my hand down the cast iron grates in my street. Not only did these things show no sign of rust they appeared to be built to last a thousand years they were so thick and heavy.Heres a few I've seen around the web Shame Google street view can't resolve the details - we could travel the streets looking for old grates without leaving home.I wonder what the oldest one is     Probably on the back of a flat back truck as we speak!!Something else the pikeys think are theirs for the taking!! One pinched from outside my sisters house yesterday!! Thought I'd better document them before they all go!

Hello Leeds Hippo.                 Lifted a few of them when i was a kid, if you look around i am positive you will find a site about this subject if i do i,ll let you know STICKS