Leeds Town Hall, opened in 1858 by Queen Victoria

More information on Leeds:
www.leeds.gov.uk



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City Mayors ranks the world’s largest, best as well as richest cities and urban areas. It also ranks the cities in individual countries, and provides a list of the capital cities of some 200 sovereign countries. More


City Mayors profiles city leaders from around the world. More


City Mayors describes the history, architecture and politics of the greatest city halls in the world. More


Mayors from The Americas, Europe. Asia, Australia and Africa compete for the World Mayor Award. More


Use
Mayor Monitor to rate the performance of mayors from across the world More


In your opinion: Praise Criticise. Write


City Mayors reports political events, analyses the issues and depicts the main players. More


City Mayors describes and explains the structures and workings of local government in Europe, The Americas, Asia, Australia and Africa. More


City Mayors deals with economic and investment issues affecting towns and cities. More


City Mayors describes and explains financial issues affecting local government. More


City Mayors reports urban environmental developments and examines the challenges faced by cities worldwide. More


City Mayors reports on and discusses urban development issues in developed and developing countries. More


City Mayors reports on developments in urban society and behaviour and reviews relevant research. More


City Mayors invites readers to write about the people in their cities. More


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City Mayors lists and features urban events, conferences and conventions aimed at urban decision makers and those with an interst in cities worldwide. More



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City Mayors examines education issues and policies affecting children and adults in urban areas. More


City Mayors investigates health issues affecting urban areas with an emphasis on health in cities in developing countries. More


City Mayors reports on how business developments impact on cities and examines cooperation between cities and the private sector. More


City Mayors examines the contributions history and culture make to urban society and environment. More


City Mayors examines the importance of urban tourism to city economies. More


City Mayors questions those who govern the world’s cities and talks to men and women who contribute to urban society and environment. More


City Mayors profiles national and international organisations representing cities as well as those dealing with urban issues. More


City Mayors reports on major national and international sporting events and their impact on cities. More


City Mayors lists cities and city organisations, profiles individual mayors and provides information on hundreds of urban events. More


Leeds Town Hall
By Gregor Gosciniak

18 September 2005: Leeds Town Hall was opened in 1858 after the city experienced a period of rapid expansion, which led to a growth in civic pride. A group of wealthy local people organised and announced a competition for the design of a new Town Hall, which, in 1852, was won by Cuthbert Brodrick, a young architect from Hull. Today, the building is a famous example of Victorian architecture reflecting the power and wealth of the era.

On 7 September 1858 Queen Victoria opened Leeds Town Hall and the Great Hall, which was dedicated to her. Ever since the Great Hall has been known as the Victoria Hall. Victoria Hall houses a magnificent organ, which has an estimated value of £1.3 million.

The Town Hall was built from millstone grit taken from various quarries, while Darley Dale stone was used for many of its columns. Due to excessive pollution caused by heavy industry in Leeds, the stone became covered in a black coating. Some believe that Brodrick especially chose that particular kind of stone to achieve precisely this effect. In 1867 four stone lions made of Portland stone were added to the four plinths beside the main entrance. The sculptor was William Day Keyworth.

In 1890 the balcony In the Victoria Hall was replaced by a larger structure, and in 1895 Victoria Hall was redecorated by John Dibble Crace, the son of the original decorator.

Leeds Civic Hall was opened in 1933 housing a new council chamber and taking over many of the functions of the Town Hall. The mayor's office was moved there and so were the offices of council officials.

At the Town Hall, the former council chamber functioned as a Crown court until a new combined Court House was opened.

In September 1978 the ornate plaster decorations in the Victoria Hall began to crumble dangerously with fragments dropping from the ceiling. After an inspection the ceiling was found to be in a precarious condition.

Victoria Hall had to be closed and it was decided to restore the damaged plaster, and to completely redecorate the hall and the vestibule. This was done making sure that the original designs were exactly reproduced. After completion of the renovation in 1979, Victoria Hall could be reopened.

The Town Hall has always been a public building used for many purposes such as banquets, balls and concerts, but it was also used for council business. Today’s Town Hall is still used for a variety of purposes. Leeds City Leisure Service is based there and numerous events are still held in Victoria Hall. Albert Room as well as a number of smaller rooms are popular places for venues of all kinds. Extensive restoration and refurbishment of the building was carried out to improve standards of comfort and provide new facilities.

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