Our Leeds: Why Leeds is joining forces to save its stories for future generations
Leeds is a city built on stories.
From medieval monastic life at Kirkstall Abbey through to the spark of its innovators across the Leeds Innovation Arc.
Be it the voices that filled Briggate generations ago to the thriving communities shaping its future today.
The stories of Leeds don’t just live in textbooks or vast archives. They live in the memories, milestones and everyday moments of those who call our proud city home.
And through the Yorkshire Evening Post we have the privilege of capturing them.
Even though our ways of telling stories over the decades has changed - in print, online, in an app or in your inbox - the message still remains the same.
Over the last 135 years it is about honouring the past, reflecting the present and safeguarding the spirit of Leeds for future generations.
Telling the story of our city isn’t just journalism. It’s an act of preservation, celebration and connection.
It’s about capturing the rhythm of the city’s heartbeat and ensuring its stories live on and endure.
That is why we’re teaming up with partners across the city -led by Leeds-based heritage consultancy Wafer Hadley - to help shape and develop a new heritage framework for Leeds.
Our Leeds aims to explore what heritage means to the people of Leeds - be that historic buildings and landscapes to stories, festivals, traditions and beliefs.
It is the very essence of what makes Leeds, Leeds.
To shape this framework, the team is asking local residents to share their views through a short online survey which is open until Friday, December 12.
And the Yorkshire Evening Post is today launching a special series of reports shining the spotlight on our city’s very own Heritage Heroes.
We’re showcasing those people in the heart of our communities across the city who preserves, champions and inspires others to ensure each place’s story continues to be known, understood and cherished.
David Hopes, head of Leeds Museums and Galleries, said: “Leeds is coming together to tell its story.
“Heritage isn’t just about old buildings.
“It’s about the people, creativity and stories that make Leeds unique.
“A new Heritage Framework will help Leeds celebrate its past, understand its present, and plan for the future.
“We want to hear from as many people as possible, from all backgrounds and communities, about what you value and want to pass on to the next generation.”
Our Leeds is a collaborative project commissioned by heritage partners in the city including Leeds City Council, British Library, Harewood House, Henry Moore Foundation, Leeds Civic Trust, Thackray Museum of Medicine, and Royal Armouries.
And as we mark the Yorkshire Evening Post’s 135th birthday this year, the title has long played a vital role in capturing, curating and championing the story of Leeds.
“This is a chance for everyone in Leeds to tell us what’s important to them — the places, memories and traditions that define our city,” said Nat Edwards, director of the Royal Armouries.
“We want to hear from as many people as possible.”
Over the coming weeks the Yorkshire Evening Post will shine a spotlight on those people who are telling the city’s stories from the past to preserve for the future.
And we’d love to hear from you. If you want to nominate your own Heritage Hero email [email protected] to feature.
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