The bear pit in Cardigan Road in Headingley, Leeds, was once part of Leeds Zoological and Botanical Gardens.
The gardens first opened in 1840, but various factors led to its closure just 18 years later. Charging for entry and not being open on Sundays meant that people either couldn’t afford to come or were too busy working during the week, and so not enough money was generated to keep it going.
It was eventually sold off and transformed into Cardigan Road as we know it today.
Leeds Civic Trust bought the listed structure in 1966 and over the years have explored ways to redevelop it, including as a performance space or offices. It was only recently they had enough money to make it accessible and allow people in to appreciate its history.
With the historical landmark now set to reopen to the public once more, Yorkshire Evening Post photographer Simon Hulme got given an exclusive look around...
7. Headingley Bear Pit, Cardigan Road, Leeds
The listed structure was bought by Leeds Civic Trust in the 1960s, and has been looked after by the charity’s volunteers for a number of years. | Simon Hulme
8. Headingley Bear Pit, Cardigan Road, Leeds
The pit was built in 1840 and real bears were exhibited in the circular pit – with viewing platforms on the surrounding turrets. | Simon Hulme
9. Headingley Bear Pit, Cardigan Road, Leeds
The scheme involved repairing the structure, landscaping the area behind the bearpit and incorporating railings so that people can safely look into the bearpit. | Simon Hulme
10. Headingley Bear Pit, Cardigan Road, Leeds
It has been a longstanding ambition of the Trust to restore the “important relic of Victorian Leeds”. | Simon Hulme
11. Headingley Bear Pit, Cardigan Road, Leeds
When the Gardens were first opened the bear pit was in situ but without a bear though there was an eagle, a monkey enclosure and some swans. | Simon Hulme
12. Headingley Bear Pit, Cardigan Road, Leeds
Picnic benches have been put up and grass seeds sown, providing a welcome green space for the area. | Simon Hulme