Not even the heavens could stop us bringing history alive!
St John the Evangelist Church in the centre of Leeds endured a storm of a different type, for while the country was battening down the hatches for Storm Boelo the sound of musket fire and the shouts of a Puritan preacher were heard for the first time in over 380 years.
Kindly supported by Leeds 400, Leeds City Council and the Churches Conservation Trust, this beautiful 17th Century church was transported back in time with displays of musket, pike and sword in the blustery churchyard. Inside, there were demonstrations of English Civil War spycraft and pamphlet-printing, as well as a talk and authentic period sermon from our regimental chaplain from the impressive pulpit.
Visitors were able to marvel at the church’s stunning 17th Century interior — built in line with the precepts of King Charles I’s Archbishop of Canterbury, William Laud — which have miraculously survived both the Battle of Leeds in January 1643 and the threat of demolition, being saved in the 19th Century by famed architects Richard Norman Shaw and Sir George Gilbert Scott.
Meanwhile, local historian Clifford Stead and Leeds Civic Trust staged guided tours of the city centre, detailing 400 years in the life of Leeds from its earliest merchants and markets to its newest green development, Aire Park.
Now cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust, St John’s is the oldest church in Leeds city centre. Completed just a few years before England erupted into civil war, in January 1643 it witnessed the Battle of Leeds as the walls of the churchyard became part of the Royalist defences against an assault by Parliamentarian troops.
Marking four centuries since Leeds received its first Royal Charter from King Charles I, Leeds 400 is a year-long celebration inviting residents, communities and visitors to come together to celebrate the city’s rich heritage and vibrant future. Leeds City Council and partners are celebrating the city’s rich history as individuals, organisations and communities have come together to celebrate what makes Leeds a fantastic city for sport, heritage, culture, learning, communities, innovation and the future.
This was such a fantastic weekend in an incredible setting and we hope to be able to get the chance to return in the future. A massive thank you to the teams at the Churches Conservation Trust and Leeds City Council for all their help and support in making this event a success – and thank you to everyone who came to see us, we hope you discovered something new about Leeds’ rich and fascinating history!
Photos by Caitriona Muir & Jamie Graham
Photos by Emma Rose-McHale
Photos by Michael Molcher
Why not join us and experience an event like this for yourself — you could be taking part for as little as £10, with your kit provided! Message us now and you could: