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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Yorkshire (West Riding) => Topic started by: Perky K on Sunday 16 May 10 12:25 BST (UK)

Title: Visiting Leeds
Post by: Perky K on Sunday 16 May 10 12:25 BST (UK)
I plan to visit Leeds next month and was wondering where the best place to go to look up parish records for the city, pre 1841. Any advice would be welcome as I don't know the city at all.
Thanks.
Title: Re: Visiting Leeds
Post by: BumbleB on Sunday 16 May 10 13:37 BST (UK)
You've got at least two choices - Leeds Central Library or the West Yorkshire Archive Service at Sheepscar (part of Leeds) where you may have to book a film-reader.  Both are excellent and very helpful.  The Library also has a vast array of books on Leeds as well.  There's also a third choice which is the Yorkshire Archeological Society, although I think that they charge a day-fee to look at the records.  Again a very helpful staff.

Enjoy your visit.

BumbleB
Title: Re: Visiting Leeds
Post by: Calverley Lad on Sunday 16 May 10 17:22 BST (UK)
Are you visiting Leeds by car or public transport?
The library being 5 minutes walk from the railway station.
To visit the archives you need to book.
http://www.leeds.gov.uk/page.aspx?pageidentifier=4FD2CD531CFE7D0980256E1D004B5F46
http://www.archives.wyjs.org.uk/wyjs-archives-visiting.asp
Report back and I will give you directions if needed.
 Brian
Title: Re: Visiting Leeds
Post by: Perky K on Sunday 16 May 10 18:20 BST (UK)
Travelling by train from Durham.. would appreciate directions.
Thank you :D
Title: Re: Visiting Leeds
Post by: Calverley Lad on Sunday 16 May 10 19:25 BST (UK)
Coming outof the station at City Square make your way to Park Row.
Turn left at cenataph, with library to your right  next to art gallery.
(See attached links from my previous post, map indicates location)
 Brian
Title: Re: Visiting Leeds
Post by: Perky K on Sunday 16 May 10 20:44 BST (UK)
Thank you. I have found it on the map. What are the details for booking, can't seem to find them on the links but it is lateish on Sunday after a busy day... :P may just be missing it.
Thanks again,
Perky K
Title: Re: Visiting Leeds
Post by: elin on Sunday 16 May 10 21:05 BST (UK)
You don't have to book to see the records at the library, you do if you go to West Yorkshire Archives.
As Brian said the staff at the library are really helpful so don't hesitate to ask them, if you need pointing in the right direction.

Elin
Title: Re: Visiting Leeds
Post by: Calverley Lad on Sunday 16 May 10 21:10 BST (UK)
Can you confirm which source of records are you going for then?
1) Library just walk in.
2) Archives at Sheepscar  phone No 0113 214 5814 (booking required)
3) YAS Clarendon Road phone No 0113 2457910 (booking required)
  Brian
Title: Re: Visiting Leeds
Post by: Calverley Lad on Sunday 16 May 10 21:23 BST (UK)
Any particular church records to are wanting info from?
I have access to St Peter's Church (Genuki) records, whilst others may have information that may guide you to records from other churches in the area.
 Brian
Title: Re: Visiting Leeds
Post by: Perky K on Sunday 16 May 10 21:51 BST (UK)
I'll get my act together in the next few days with regards to what I need to find but from memory it is the Roundhey/hedinley area. Will confirm more towards end of week when I get a break from work.
Thanks for all the help so far Brian and others.
Title: Re: Visiting Leeds
Post by: dave the tyke on Monday 17 May 10 08:50 BST (UK)
Headingley and especially Roundhay are not really within easy walking distance of Leeds City centre.
Title: Re: Visiting Leeds
Post by: Calverley Lad on Monday 17 May 10 13:46 BST (UK)
I believe Roundhay and Headingley were  only the subject of the lookups, not visiting the localities.
 Brian