22 July 2025

Leeds became a borough with a charter from Charles I in 1626, although it had been developing into a town after an earlier charter from King John in 1207.  Small and compact, it grew in importance from its location by the bridge over the Aire, which had probably been in existence since at least Norman times. 

In the Middle Ages anyone wanting to enter it to trade would have to go through the so-called “bars”.  Unlike York, for example, with its elaborate bars (Micklegate Bar, etc), Leeds wasn’t fortified.  Its checkpoints were buildings, probably wooden, on the main roads.   John Cossins’ Plan of Leeds published in 1726 suggests that by then the bars were wooden gates designed to keep out stray cattle, delay unwanted visitors, and collect tolls on market days.  As time went on the checkpoints were removed and replaced by a stone to show, in effect, the boundaries of the town.

­There were six of these, of uncertain date.  Three of them survive, and all but one are marked by Leeds Civic Trust blue plaques.  Clockwise, from the north, they are:

The North Bar: on the front of the old bus station, now a café, on Vicar Lane.  Click here for picture.

The East or York Bar: on the wall in front of the Parish Church of St Peter on Kirkgate.  Click here for picture.

The South Bar: on the south side of Leeds Bridge at the bottom of Lower Briggate.  A Civic Trust plaque marks the spot.

Burley Bar: a blue plaque on the Headrow marks the location of this; the actual stone is now inside the main entrance of the Leeds (formerly Leeds & Holbeck) Building Society, also on the Headrow (corner of Albion St).  Picture to follow.

The West Bar: a blue plaque, unveiled in 1989, is the only record of this: at the Bond Street Centre outside 34-38 Boar Lane.  The western border of mediaeval Leeds was adjacent to the Manorial Park.

Woodhouse Bar: where Dortmund Square is now.

Sources: https://www.secretleeds.com; https://leedscivictrust.org.uk/the-north-bar-plaque-a-medieval-gateway-to-leeds/; Wikipedia

RWH / July 2025