Roundhay
| Roundhay | |
|---|---|
 Canal Gardens, Roundhay Park | |
  Roundhay  Roundhay Location withinWest Yorkshire | |
| Population | 22,546 |
| OS grid reference | SE331373 |
| Metropolitan borough | |
| Metropolitan county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | LEEDS |
| Postcode district | LS8 |
| Dialling code | 0113 |
| Police | West Yorkshire |
| Fire | West Yorkshire |
| Ambulance | Yorkshire |
| UK Parliament | |
Roundhayis a large suburb in north-eastLeeds,West Yorkshire,England. Roundhay had a population of 22,546 in 2011.[1]
It sits in theRoundhaywardofLeeds City CouncilandLeeds North Eastparliamentary constituency.
History
[edit]Etymology
[edit]Roundhay's name derives from Old Frenchrond'round' and theOld Englishword(ge)hæg'enclosure', denoting a round hunting enclosure or deer park.[2][3]The Roundhay estate map of 1803 showed its circular shape.[4]
12th century
[edit]Roundhay does not appear in theDomesday Bookof 1086, but seems to have been formed soon afterwards, the first mention being in about 1153.[2]It was formerly a hunting park for the De Lacy family ofPontefract Castle.Coal and iron ore were mined and a smelting furnace was recorded in 1295.[2]Once these were exhausted (and woodland had been cleared for fuel) the area turned to farming.
16-18th century
[edit]Roundhay was historically atownshipin the ancient parish ofBarwick in Elmet,except for a small area in the east around Roundhay Grange (originally agrangeofKirkstall Abbey), which was adetached partof the township ofShadwellin the parish ofThorner.[5]Roundhay was a hamlet until 1803 when the park estate was bought by Thomas Nicholson who started a programme of landscaping and built the Mansion House. Housing was built for workers and more land sold on which other gentry built houses.[2]
19th century - Turnpike
[edit]Until 1810,GiptonWood was Gibton Forest separating Leeds fromRoundhay Parkand aturnpikeroad was constructed "from Sheepscar to Roundhay Bridge".[6][7]After the road was built the population increased from 84 in 1801 to 186 in 1822, mainly in grand houses for wealthier citizens of Leeds.[6]
In 1826, St John's Church was established to serve the population of Roundhay,ShadwellandSeacroft,a combined population of about 1100, who would otherwise have had to travel up to three miles to worship.[6]This made the area more attractive, the population rose to 300 in the 1830s in the form of a "township and genteel village" with "elegant villas, walks and plantations".[2][6]
In 1866, Roundhay and Shadwell both became separate civil parishes.[8]
City of Leeds
[edit]In 1872, Roundhay Park estate was purchased by the City of Leeds and opened as a public park by His Royal HighnessPrince Arthuron 19 September 1872.[9]At the time, there was much opposition as many considered the park was too far out of Leeds for the majority of the population to enjoy, and the park had just one access road and led to the park being dubbed a 'white elephant' in its early years.[10]
However, there was interest in developing housing, and a suburb began to develop around Lidgett Park.[11]Development was accelerated in 1884 by the provision of a horse-drawn public omnibus service between Leeds and Roundhay Park, then a horse-drawn tram and, on 11 November 1891, the first public electric tram service, which by 1894 provided a quarter-hourly service from 6 a.m.[6]The city sold surplus land, but placed restrictions in its use, stipulating stone for building and the prohibition of offensive trades.[2]
The area acquired a Post Office in 1868 and by the start of the 20th century some parts were lit by electricity. Brick-built detached and semi-detached housing was created along new roads such as The Avenue.
Pioneer movie footage
[edit]On 14 October 1888,Louis le Princerecorded his short filmRoundhay Garden Scene,in the garden ofOakwood Grange,the home of his parents-in-law, Joseph and Sarah Whitley, (the parents ofJohn Robinson Whitley).[citation needed]This is believed to be the oldest surviving film in existence. (SeeExternal links)
20th century
[edit]In 1901, a second Anglican Church and in 1902 aCongregational Churchwere established to provide worship within walking distance for the new working class population.[11][12]Lidgett Park Wesleyan Church followed in 1906.[2]
Lido
[edit]In June 1907, an open-air swimming pool or 'lido' opened, at a cost of just over £1,600, built mainly by unemployed citizens. During the 1950s and 1960s, about 100,000 people a year visited the Roundhay 'swimming baths'.[4]In 1912, the civil parishes of Roundhay and Shadwell were abolished, and Roundhay became part of Leeds.[8]
First World War
[edit]During the First World War, Roundhay was used as a gathering place for soldiers, hence land by Prince's Avenue is known as Soldiers Field. After the war, new estates were built to the south and west of the park. Roundhay School for Boys was opened in 1926, and the School for Girls in 1932. After the Second World War housing filled available spaces, with smaller residences built in the grounds of larger ones, and large converted to flats.[2]
Mansion House and large houses
[edit]
In 1811, John Clarke (died 1857) of York, architect of the Commercial Buildings in Leeds city centre, was commissioned by Thomas Nicholson to design the Mansion House.[14]Formally known as Roundhay Park Mansion, the large mansion was built inashlarstone in classicalGeorgianstyle; of two storeys with seven bays, the centre three set behind an iron portico.[15]Thomas's son, Stephen NicholsonEsq.,inheritedthe house and became theLord of the Manor of Roundhay.Roundhay township's 1,467 acres were recorded in 1842 as being "mostly the property of Stephen Nicholson".[13]
The Mansion House was unused for many years after the departure of catering firm, Gilpin's. Events and catering company 'Dine' was appointed byLeeds City Councilto run the Mansion, and in 2009, after refurbishment and gaining a civil ceremony licence, the Mansion re-opened to the public. The venue contains a restaurant and cafe, and hosts private functions.[16]
From the early 1800s, a number of farming estates with large houses were built in Roundhay and some houses are now grade II listed; The Mansion at Roundhay Park (c. 1811), Elmete Hall (1865) and Beechwood (c. 1820).[17]Scottish architectGeorge Corsondesigned a large wing known today as Corson House at Roundhay's Beechwood Estate[18]and in 1873, he won a competition to design a number of substantial villas along Park Avenue, "the jewel in Leed's crown", and West Avenue on the fringe of Roundhay Park. The villas were built on plots of an acre or more with separate coach houses, stables and servants' quarters at the back so as not to be seen from the park. Woodlands Hall (known originally as Roundhay Mount and later as Carr Head), Parc Mont and several other mansions along Park Avenue are architecturally significant.[17]
Roundhay Park
[edit]
Roundhay Park(2.8 km2), is aVictorianpark, the second largest city park in Europe after the 'Englischer Garten' (3.7 km2), inMunich,Germany.
Roundhay Park comprises more than 700 acres (2.8 km2) of parkland, lakes and woodland. The park has scented gardens for the blind, National Plant Collections, Canal Gardens, the Monet and Alhambra Gardens and Tropical World which attracts visitors all year round. In 2005 the Friends' Garden was opened, alongside Canal Gardens and the Rainbow Garden.
Woodpeckers, common warblers in spring and summer, mute swans, visitingwhooper swans,great-crested grebes and herons can be found at the park. The Upper Lake is maintained as a wildlife area, and the larger Waterloo Lake is used for fishing. Roundhay Park provides the venue for special events including sporting events, flower and animal shows, music festivals and a bonfire and firework display on 5 November, (Guy Fawkes Night).
Facilities include tennis courts, skateboard ramps, sports pitches, bowling greens, a sports arena, a golf course and fishing. A cafe overlooking Waterloo Lake was damaged by fire in 2007 but restored and re-opened in 2008.[19]
Roundhay Park was the first location an aircraft landed inLeeds,after a flight fromAmsterdamin theNetherlands.The Park late had an aerodrome with one of the earliest air passenger services comprising regular flights every half hour toBradford.Aircraft were manufactured at the nearby Olympia aircraft works opened by Robert Blackburn in 1914. The aerodrome operated until 1920. The factory continued until the 1960s, the previous factory site now being occupied by a large Tesco supermarket.
Tropical Worldis located to the west of the park and contains many rare birds and butterflies.
The park has hosted numerous outdoor concerts includingMichael Jackson,The Rolling Stones,Bruce Springsteen,U2,Robbie WilliamsandEd Sheeran.
Sport and culture
[edit]TheLeeds Tykesrugby unionclub was founded after the merger of theHeadingleyand Roundhay clubs. Roundhegians RFC was the old boys' association ofRoundhay Schoolbut now operates as a rugby club for the whole of Roundhay. The club plays at Chelwood Drive at the west end of Roundhay, near Moortown. Leeds Golf Club "Cobble Hall" as it is more affectionately known locally is situated on the edge of Roundhay park it has The Leeds Cup - The Oldest Trophy in Professional Golf Worldwide. The famous golf architect Doctor Alastair MacKenzie was a member of Leeds Golf Club between 1900 and 1910. There is also Roundhay Golf Club within Roundhay Park which is reputably designed by Dr MacKenzie and has a restaurant ( "Del Verde" ).
Amenities
[edit]
The area is served byFirst West Yorkshirecircular services 2 (via Chapel Allerton) and 12 (via Harehills) from Leeds city centre. These operate at a 10-minute frequency during the daytime on weekdays and Saturdays, and 30 minute frequency on evenings. Daytime frequency on Sundays is 20 minutes.[20]The closest main line rail station isLeeds(approx 4.5 miles).
Housing
[edit]
Roundhay has a wide variety of housing. There is a mixture ofVictorianthrough terraces, villas and 20th-century detached and semi detached housing. Because there has never been any mass house building in Roundhay at any one time, there is no consistent style throughout the area. There are many Victorian villas and flats adjacent to the park and along the northern edge of Roundhay.
Religion
[edit]According to the 2011 census[21]22,546 people were counted, of whom 46.64% gave their religion asChristian,25.60% asNo religion,7.40% religion not stated, 12.58%Muslim,1.89%Jewish,3.40%Sikh,1.78%Hindu,0.34%Buddhist,0.35% Others.
The first post-ReformationCatholic church in Leeds was the Roundhay Mission.[22]
The Rev. Thomas Davis,aChurch of Englandhymn-writer, was Vicar of Roundhay in the mid 19th century.
-
St Edmund's Parish Church, junction of Lidgett Park Road and North Park Avenue, Anglican -
St Andrew's Church,Devonshire Crescent, United Reformed -
Sinai Synagogue, Roman Avenue -
Quaker Meeting House, Street Lane
- All Nations Community Church
- St Johns CE Church(Closed June 2008)
- St Edmunds CE Church
- Lidgett Park Methodist Church
- Oakwood Churchjoint Methodist and Anglican
- St Andrew's URC ChurchSt Andrew's Roundhay. The life of our church congregation
- Roundhay Evangelical Church
- Society of Friends (Quakers)
- Sinai Synagogue
Education
[edit]- Allerton Grange High School
- Roundhay School
- Gledhow Primary School
- Talbot Primary School
- Kerr Mackie Primary School
- St. John's Church of England Primary School, Roundhay
Location grid
[edit]
See also
[edit]References and notes
[edit]- ^"Roundhay - UK Census Data 2011".UK Census Data.Retrieved16 September2020.
- ^abcdefghWest Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory ServiceArchived12 October 2007 at theWayback MachineRoundhay Park Conservation Area; Victor Watts (ed.),The Cambridge Dictionary of English Place-Names Based on the Collections of the English Place-Name Society(Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004), s.v. ROUNDHAY.
- ^A circular fence requires the minimum length to enclose any given area, reducing the materials and work required
- ^abSteven Burt (2000)Roundhay Park - an illustrated history
- ^"Roundhay Park Conservation Area"(PDF).West Yorkshire Archaeological Advisory Service. 2007. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 7 April 2014.Retrieved6 April2014.
- ^abcde"The Church in Roundhay".St John's Church Roundhay. Archived fromthe originalon 27 February 2012.
- ^Roundhay Bridge was near the Lido Car Park on Wetherby Road
- ^ab"Roundhay Tn/CP through time | Census tables with data for the Parish-level Unit".visionofbritain.org.uk.Retrieved16 September2020.
- ^Daily News20 September 1872 Prince Arthur at Leeds
- ^See various issues of the Leeds Mercury in 1871 and 1872
- ^ab"St Edmund's Parish Church History".Archived fromthe originalon 23 October 2008.Retrieved16 September2020.
- ^"St Andrew's Story".Retrieved16 September2020.
- ^abLewis, S. (1842).A Topographical Dictionary of England: Comprising the Several..., Volume 3.Lewis, 1842. p. 630.Retrieved27 July2020.
The township comprises 1467 acres, mostly the property of Stephen Nicholson, Esq.
- ^"Places features - the Mansion at Roundhay Park".BBC - Leeds. 2014.Retrieved17 September2021.
The house was built in 1811 after architect John Clarke was commissioned to design it by the then owner of Roundhay Park, Thomas Nicholson.
- ^Historic England(2021)."The Mansion Hotel (1375153)".National Heritage List for England.Retrieved17 September2021.
Formerly known as: Roundhay Park Mansion Roundhay. Large mansion, now hotel
- ^"Mansion".Roundhay Today.Archived fromthe originalon 8 August 2007.
- ^ab"Roundhay Ward Neighbourhood Design Statement"(PDF).UK Gov. City of Leeds. 2010.Retrieved31 May2015.
- ^Eskildsen, Dan (2015–2020)."Companies House".Retrieved27 January2020.
Address profile: CORSON HOUSE THE BEECHWOOD ESTATE, ELMETE LANE ROUNDHAY, LEEDS, LS8 2LQ There are 2 companies at this address....
- ^Yorkshire Evening Post17 June 2008"Cheers all round as lake cafe re-opens"
- ^"Timetables | Leeds".First Bus.Retrieved16 September2020.
- ^UK Census DataRoundhay
- ^"Roundhay (RC) Mission".Leeds Indexers.Retrieved30 November2017.
External links
[edit]
- YEP Roundhay Today Community Website
- The Friends of Roundhay Park - Registered Charity
- The Roundhegians
- Images of Roundhay
- All Nations Community Church
- History of Roundhay Park Conservation Area
- The Ancient Parish of Barwick in ElmetatGENUKI:Roundhay was in this parish
- Youtube:Compilation of the oldest videos ever recordedNote: Roundhay is second oldest. (See transit of Venus.)
