SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

Just announced on the late Look North. Leeds Parish Church is to be redesignated a Minster as part of the Jubilee celebrations

Kirkgate will still be a dump though....

Pah, change! It'll always be the Parish church, what next, the sports direct arena?

Always thought St Bartholomew’s in Armley should have been elevated to a cathedral since it's much bigger than the average church and can be seen from many parts of Leeds - would look great if the stone was cleaned and lit up with floodlights.

The word minster originated as meaning a church attached to a monastery. I wonder how long it will be before someone mentions the tunnel linking Leeds Parish Church with Kirkstall Abbey? Leeds Hippo, St Bartholomew's is actually the largest church in the Ripon Diocese and has often been used for diocesan services where several hundred people attend. However, it actually seats about eight people fewer than the much smaller chapel it replaced, the foundations of which remain in the current churchyard (this is because the old chapel had balconies).

LhippoSt Barts a Leeds hidden, or forgotten gem.Contrast exterior to interior one of it's delights. Mid 80's a chap I knew was a church organist who'd played all over. Anecdotal I know but he reckoned the acoustics & the organ were the best he knew.    

I know when I drive up from the south on the M1 St Barts is one of the first landmarks I see in the distance when I approach Leeds - lets you know you're home.

Jogon wrote: LhippoSt Barts a Leeds hidden, or forgotten gem.Contrast exterior to interior one of it's delights. Mid 80's a chap I knew was a church organist who'd played all over. Anecdotal I know but he reckoned the acoustics & the organ were the best he knew.     I think your friend was correct! The organ has quite a story behind it, having been built for a house in Meanwood originally, then moved to Harrogate and finally to Armley. I'm totally biased, having page-turned for recitals there for nearly 30 years, but it's a remarkable building and instrument. They have a very informative website with all sorts of history and information:http://www.armley-schulze.co.uk/I'm sure phill.d won't mind my giving a link to his photos from a visit I arranged for him a few years ago:http://www.flickr.com/photos/phill_dvsn ... 66/detail/

Yes you did indeed Tasa!I still have the blackened fingernail as a reminder! I defy anyone to not swear in church after a heavy trap door lands on your hand             

That second visit was certainly a challenge - the weather was better for the tower photos, but that trap door was horrendous! The best photo of all is still there for the taking one day, with some heavy equipment to raise those wooden flags!