Leeds' Victorian Architecture


The Industrial Revolution brought wealth and prosperity to Leeds as it grew into one of Britain’s largest cities. The sign of this wealth are still present in Leeds today in its remnants of Victorian architecture.


If Saskatoon’s shopping malls looked like Leeds’ Victorian arcades, I’d go shopping a lot more often! The height and the intricately detailed carvings make them a sight to behold. And they’re possibly even more beautiful at this time of year with the Christmas decorations in place.



The Corn Exchange was built between 1861 and 1863 and has an elliptical domed roof. It’s now a shopping centre for independent retailers.


Leeds Town Hall is an imposing columned building. It now houses Leeds’ art gallery and library. One of its most impressive features, to my mind, is the Tiled Hall Café, which used to house the library’s reading room. Not only are the walls entirely finished in tiles, but it has a barreled mosaic ceiling and busts of great men (sorry, no women).


It’s hard to believe that this beautiful building is now a burger restaurant!


Leeds waterfront, once a bustling port has been revived, turning warehouses into apartments and restaurants.


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