SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

Hello, I have just registered on this forum as I am doing some research for a book, and am hoping somebody can help me with some information.Around 1905 Leeds City bought some land off Monk's Bridge Iron Company on which they built a new stand. From what I understand this was on the current West Stand side, ie. around Gelderd Road/Churwell area.I am aware that Monk's Bridge had a huge site on either side of Whitehall Road around Holbeck (bought out by Doncasters) until 2005, but I can't find any info on a site near Elland Road. Can anybody help? Much obliged.

Hello Jon and welcome on board.Looking at the Tithe Maps from the mid 19th century all the land adjacent to this site was arable with no industry. If you look at the details of the plots you will identify the owners. See short cut below. If you go into the plot details it will indicate land owner use etc. Drag the map around to cover your searchhttp://tithemaps.leeds.gov.uk/TwinMaps.aspx?srch=&singleplot=&hlt=&hlp=&e=430330&n=431595&scale=5&tabL=L1&tabR=R1

Geoff,Thanks for the link, that is a great site. I think you are right, according to that. Maybe Monk's Bridge owned the land but didn't use it, hence no record of activity near Elland Road.To be honest, I have dozens of questions relating to this area. I am in the early stages of writing and researching a book on the area around Elland Road football ground. Do you know anyone who lives or did live in this area? Some of my questions do not date back too far. I know everything about the club and Elland Road ground itself but my memory of the surrounding area is sketchy, ie. when was the speedway track demolished? when was the greyhound stadium built? what was the cricket ground behind New Peacock pub generally known as? etc. etc.I have lots more questions like that, so if anyone knows a local resident that can help, I would be grateful.Many thanks,Jon

Jon, worth having a look at today's "Leodis" site - Today's Top 50 (pic. no.) 2008523-166786 also (pic. no.) 20081119-167894.    

Johnny,Thanks. Yeah, I have seen those. The Elland Road pic is one of many on Leodis which is very useful, as much for the comments as the photo. The Monk's Bridge photo doesn't mention a site at Elland Road, but I do remember this location on Whitehall Road.ThanksJon

Jon Howe wrote: Geoff,Thanks for the link, that is a great site. I think you are right, according to that. Maybe Monk's Bridge owned the land but didn't use it, hence no record of activity near Elland Road.To be honest, I have dozens of questions relating to this area. I am in the early stages of writing and researching a book on the area around Elland Road football ground. Do you know anyone who lives or did live in this area? Some of my questions do not date back too far. I know everything about the club and Elland Road ground itself but my memory of the surrounding area is sketchy, ie. when was the speedway track demolished? when was the greyhound stadium built? what was the cricket ground behind New Peacock pub generally known as? etc. etc.I have lots more questions like that, so if anyone knows a local resident that can help, I would be grateful.Many thanks,Jon The cricket ground at the back of the New Peacock was used by Holbeck Cricket Club

Thanks, yes, there is a fair bit if information about that. But was it generally known as the "Holbeck Cricket Ground" or the "New Peacock Cricket Ground" or something else?Also, when did it disappear? Work on M621 started in 1971, and that section opened in 1973, but next to some photos on Leodis it states that the New Peacock closed in 1974. I would have thought it had been demolished before that, but I guess it was not in the M621's path only the A643 etc which presumably came after?Cheers,Jon

Wasn't there some mad old man who went on about a Gypsy's curse?

Jon Howe wrote: Thanks, yes, there is a fair bit if information about that. But was it generally known as the "Holbeck Cricket Ground" or the "New Peacock Cricket Ground" or something else?Also, when did it disappear? Work on M621 started in 1971, and that section opened in 1973, but next to some photos on Leodis it states that the New Peacock closed in 1974. I would have thought it had been demolished before that, but I guess it was not in the M621's path only the A643 etc which presumably came after?Cheers,Jon It was definitely open in 1972, we met there for a few BYBs before boarding the coach to Wembley for the FA Cup final on the Friday night. The coach left Elland Road at midnight and dropped us at Victoria coach park about 5.00 am. We then went to Smithfield Market and met a load more lads at the Barley Mow we we drinking at 6.00am and had the best ever full English with the works plus chops and fried liver. Tube to Charing Cross then meeting in the Clarence on Whitehall for more ale. Tube up to Wembley. The rest is history. Bus back from Victoria at Midnight slept all the way, arrived back at the Peacock where breakfast was served at about 6.00am, then bus home for a long sleep.(a memorable day)

That's good info Geoff, cheers. Maybe 1974 is correct for the New Peacock closing. I guess it was on the road side that still exists now, ie. the bend that becomes the A643 going into town/inner ring road. So if it wasn't demolished to make way for the M621, why did it close? Any ideas anyone? Thanks