Mapped: Explore West Leeds’ history and culture at Heritage Open Days

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Hundreds of volunteers from across Leeds invite you to experience architecture, history and culture at a series of open days this weekend.

And West Leeds is playing its part, with a series of events in Armley, Farnley, Farsley, Fulneck, Pudsey and Wortley. See below for a list of the events in our part of the city – and check out Heritage Open Days for a list of events across the city.

Hundreds of volunteers from across Leeds invite you to experience architecture, history and culture at a series of open days this weekend.

And West Leeds is playing its part, with a series of events in Armley, Farnley, Farsley, Fulneck, Pudsey and Wortley. See below for a map and list of the events in our part of the city – and check out Heritage Open Days for a list of events across the city.

1. Armley Library

Saturday, 10.30am-1pm. Come and visit the first purpose built library in Leeds – Armley Library. Have a look at some of our original features, including original stained glass and woodwork; browse the local history books. Fun for all the family with children’s activities taking place. Also, see a copy of the Armley Town Street keystones booklet which highlights celebrities and key historic events relating to Armley.

2. Farnley Hall open day

Tours Saturday 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm. Guided tour of Farnley Hall Park and ancillary buildings on Saturday. Event not suitable for children under the age of 5.   – Contact: Lynne Pattison Call: 01133957400 Email: parks@leeds.gov.uk.

3. Farsley St John’s Church

Saturday 9am-5.30pm, Sunday 2-4.30pm. Illustrated history of Farsley and its people, including development as a textile and wool centre and the church’s role in the village. Demonstration of spinning wool, demonstration of stained glass work and World War 1 Memorabilia. Children’s colouring competition.
Sunnybank Mills, Farsley

Open today, Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4pm. Dating from 1829, Sunny Bank Mills was an important woollen and worsted mill, with an interesting history.  The  archive will be open, containing a complete record of cloth samples woven at the mill since the 1880s.  There will be mill tours on the hour, every hour to take you through buildings normally closed to the public and bring to life the rich history of the mill and the people involved over the centuries. The Archive will also be open to the public.

4. Fulneck Moravian settlement

Saturday, 10am-4pm. Come and visit Fulneck Settlement. In the elegant Georgian Church you will find an exhibition of the European Reformation based around Wycliffe, Hus and Luther and the origins of the Moravian Church.

Not to be missed is the short dramatization of the trial of Jan Hus which will take place at the beginning of each tour in the Church.Take time to visit the museum.Small,but with six rooms and full of exhibits including an 18th century fire engine, toys and objects from around the world.Browse through the archives or enjoy music played on the Snetzler organ.

Rest your feet in the Boy’s Brigade where you can buy refreshments. Organ recitals and tours will take place during the day. The organ will be played at 11.30,12.30 and 2.30 and the tours on the hour from 1100 -1500.The tours will be conducted by guides wearing period costume and will include views of one of the longest terraces in Europe. Activities for the children can be found near the church and an observation trail with picture clues will provide fun for the family.

In the art studio there are original paintings for sale as well as crafts.The Giving Tree cafe will have hot food available and information outlining the history of the shop.

5. Pudsey Masonic Hall

Saturday, 11am-3pm. Pudsey Freemasons and Pudsey & District Civic Society invite you to Pudsey Masonic Hall.

View the temple with its unique carpet and learn about the history of Freemasonry in Pudsey, then view a display of paintings from the Pudsey & District Civic Society archives which date from the early 1900s to the present day. Painted by local artists including W.J. Noble, Jack Calvert and Les Ambler, and displayed alongside old photographs of the town, this is a rare chance to see how Pudsey has changed over the years.

There will also be the opportunity to listen to recordings of older residents recalling their lives in years gone by and a chance to purchase historical maps, books and walk guides relating to the area.

6. Wortley Local History Group

Based at Whingate Methodist Church and Community Centre, extensive archives of Wortley available to view, including items of interest, photographs and a special feature of New Wortley. There will also be a film show. Refreshments will be available tomorrow 10am-4pm.

7. Sunnybank Mills, Farsley

Dating from 1829, Sunny Bank Mills was an important woollen and worsted mill, with an interesting history. The  archive will be open, containing a complete record of cloth samples woven at the mill since the 1880’s. There will be mill tours on the hour, every hour to take you through buildings normally closed to the public
Opening Times:
    Friday: Archive Open 1000-1600 & tours every hour
Saturday: Archive Open 1000-1600 & tours every hour
Sunday: Archive Open 1000-1600 & tours every hour

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