Isle of Cynder Sovereign Square development

[jim]

Note that inspection pits would be unlikely to exceed 4'6" in width, and that they would probably be brick or concrete lined, and thus do not appear to be what has been uncovered in the posted pictures

[j.c.d.]

I have been in that Hall many times after the Trams had gone, exhibitions, pop concerts etc. and and the whole floor seemed to concrete, don't remember any covered areas. did they need pits to inspect or repair trams?.

[scrabblerz]

I was looking at a book in Morley Library today Leeds Tramways 1897? to 1957 and
there is a picture of a Tram with its Front end in one of these Inspection Pits

[j.c.d.]

That second lot of photos brought back memories of the early 1950s when I worked at Wm. Stembridges tailoring factory (the 3 storey building in the background on the corner.) the area with the canopy to the right of the Queens hall was the Lost property Office and a place for the Tram conductors and drivers to clock in etc.. The Transport Offices on the other corner of Swinegate had quite a grand interior, a canteen, large music lounge and various function rooms. I was 17 years old and our factory employed about 80 to 100 women so I got quite an education there. Happy Days.....

[LS1]

I was looking at a book in Morley Library today Leeds Tramways 1897? to 1957 and
there is a picture of a Tram with its Front end in one of these Inspection Pits

Pretty sure that I saw that photo too. When I saw the "pits" that they are excavating now it was at the beginning of November, so they have excavated a lot more now and it doesn't look like it did then!

I would guess the pits were filled in after closure to make the Queen's Hall.

On a slightly different note, I wonder why Bibi's address is Criterion Place "Sovereign Street" when it actually fronts onto Swinegate... Perhaps the latter deemed a less glamorous address?

[uncle mick]

A good photo from Stephen Barrett on Leedsface

[LS1]

That's more than an inspection pit!

[Leodian]

That is a fascinating and very interesting photo. Is it publicly known what it was that is revealed?

[buffaloskinner]

Looking at the 1889 map its probably part of Flay Crow Mill foundations

[Leodian]

Thanks buffaloskinner .

When I see excavations in such as Time Team digs I am often surprised at just how much material there can be over sites, often very many feet depth even at sites that were abandoned and never subsequently built on. Presumably once plants get established then over time (but it need not always be centuries) then there can be a deep overlayer of soil buildup. The depth even at this site looks a lot but much is presumably modern material.