Leeds has a dramatic new attraction at the iconic Town Hall. One of the architectural gems of England, the building also houses a dark and secret history. You can now discover the stories that lurk within, on a visit to the Leeds Borough Court and Victorian police cells.
Opening up this fascinating, long-hidden space to members of the public is part of a year long project named Crime and Punishment. Last used as a formal court in the early 1990’s, the Borough Court was one of three courtrooms created when the Town Hall was opened in 1858. The wood-panelled courtroom has been left largely untouched and still retains the atmosphere of days gone by.
In contrast to the formal setting of the courtroom, the Victorian cells are testament to nineteenth century attitudes to crimes and those who committed them. Descending to the gloomy atmosphere of the vaulted stone cells is a thought provoking historical experience for visitors.
Crime and Punishment offers schools individually tailored programmes to complement History and Citizenship strands of the National Curriculum. The learning package includes an outreach visit to your school by the Cultural Heritage Learning Officer as well as a guided tour of the court room and cells and an educational resource pack.
If you work with KS2 and KS3 students and are interested in a tour of this exciting space, and outreach visit and resource pack, please contact the cultural heritage learning officer either by email or tel 0113 395 2309.
Members of the public can also visit for guided tours. We are now able to take group bookings only, by advance arrangement.
Crime and Punishment gratefully acknowledges support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.