Leeds Town Hall

Leeds Town Hall is a 19th-century municipal building on The Headrow in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It was built between 1853 and 1858 to a design by the architect Cuthbert Brodrick. Today it serves mainly as a concert, conference and wedding venue, and some council departments still use its offices.

Why visit Leeds Town Hall?

The building was meant to show off the confidence of Victorian Leeds, a fast-growing industrial city. It has been a Grade I listed building, the highest heritage category, since 1951. It is one of the city's best-known landmarks and a natural starting point for a walk through the centre.

What is the history of the building?

It was planned as a multi-purpose civic building, with law courts, a council chamber, offices, a public hall and a suite of ceremonial rooms. Construction ran from 1853 to 1858. The clock tower was not part of the original plans. Brodrick added it in 1856, when civic leaders wanted a grander statement. At about 225 feet (roughly 69 m), it made the town hall the tallest building in Leeds from 1858 until 1966.

The sculpture was carried out by John Thomas. At the entrance sit Portland stone lions by William Day Keyworth of London, dating from 1867. Alterations followed in 1877 under the Borough Surveyor, A. W. Morant.

With the opening of the Civic Hall in 1933, some functions moved out. After the Leeds Combined Court Centre opened in 1993, the courts left too, and the town hall took on its present, more cultural role.

What can you see inside?

The heart of the building is Victoria Hall, originally called the Great Hall. It is a grand concert space with a ceiling rising nearly 100 feet above the audience. John Crace handled the interior decoration, brought in by Brodrick to realise his vision. The hall houses an organ designed by Brodrick and counted among the largest of its kind in Europe. It was played at the opening ceremony in 1858, which Queen Victoria attended. In 2021 the council announced a restoration project covering new soundboards, wind supply and console.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Leeds Town Hall? On The Headrow, in the centre of Leeds, West Yorkshire.

Who designed it? Cuthbert Brodrick; it was built between 1853 and 1858.

Is it a listed building? Yes, it has been Grade I listed since 1951.

What is it used for today? Mainly concerts, conferences and weddings, with some council departments still based there.

Was the clock tower in the original design? No, Brodrick added it in 1856.

Can you go inside? The interiors are used for events, so check the current programme and opening details with the venue before you go.