representation of holbeck urban village

Holbeck Urban Village: Re-live It

Follow in the footsteps of the fathers of the Industrial Revolution. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Holbeck was the cradle of the industrial revolution in Leeds. Its entrepreneurs have bequeathed a legacy of fascinating buildings and legends.

Why not see how the urban village is changing using the new interactive Living Map?

Or find out what residents think and share your views on the discussion forums.

Temple Works

John Marshall's thirst for innovations did not stop at Marshall's Mill, he went on to create the magnificent Temple Works.

temple works

Marshall's Mill

Marshall's Mill was the brain child of John Marshall who revolutionised the textile industry in Leeds.

marshall's mill

The Hol Beck

The Hol Beck is a watercourse that runs across the north of the conservation area in which Holbeck Urban Village lies.

the hol beck

The Round Foundry

Claimed to beone of the earliest engineering works in the world, the Round Foundry was a powerhouse of industry in Leeds.

offices at the round foundry

Tower Works

Colonel Thomas Harding's Italianate towers form a distinctive landmark on the Leeds skyline.

tower works

The Viaduct

The disused railway viaduct was considered one of the great engineering feats of its time.

the viaduct

Neville Street and the Dark Arches

Approaching Leeds from the south, Neville Street and Dark Neville Street form the main gateway into the city centre.

dark neville street

Midland Mills

Midland Mills is the oldest surviving textile machinery manufacturer in Britaian dating back to 1793

During the Industrial Revolution Holbeck's foundries and mills manufactured machinery, steam engines, cloth and equipment for companies across the world. The area was home to three of the greatest innovators of the time: Colonel Thomas Harding, John Marshall and Mathew Murray.

Not only did these men change the face of industry in Britain but they left behind a rich architectural legacy, including Italianate towers and an Egyptian temple, together with uniquely styled mills and foundries.

However, from the late 1800s, Holbeck's world importance in engineering steadily declined leaving behind landmark buildings that today form an impressive monument to a bygone age.

There are 33 listed buildings within the Holbeck Urban Village conservation boundary, including one Grade I, two Grade II* buildings, all waiting to welcome today's generation of innovators in the high value creative and digital media sector.