Mount St Mary’s Church provided a place of worship and sanctuary for those who had settled in Richmond Hill after escaping the famine in Ireland. The foundation stone was laid in 1853 and the nave and side aisles completed in 1857. It was a church renowned for community involvement and school and welcomed a congregation until its closure in 1989. Fast forward to 2026 and plans have been give the green light for a conversion of the Grade II listed building. These photos a mix from the YEP archive and others published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service, showcasing the impact the church has had on the community down the decades. READ MORE: Memories of loved and lost Leeds pubs in Richmond Hill, Burmantofts, Cross Green and East End Park LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. Mount St Mary's Church
Pat Gavan, right, presents artefacts from Mount St Mary's Church to Tommy McLoughlin, manager of the Irish Centre. | YPN Photo: YPN
8. Mount St Mary's Church
January 2007 and plans were unveiled for development of the site. | Dan Oxtoby Photo: Dan Oxtoby
9. Mount St Mary's Church
Development plans sparked a strong reaction from the local community who set up a residents committee in opposition and are holding a petition they were going to present to the leader of Leeds City Council. Pictured, from left, are Peter Jackson. Danny Kennally, Patrick Gavan, Bernadette Jackson and Helen Kennally. | Helen Gardner Photo: Helen Gardner
10. Mount St Mary's Church
A view from Upper Accdommodation Road looking towards Mount St. Mary's Church. In between is a cleared area that had previously been occupied by Elsie View and Ada Crescent. This area has since become the site of new housing on The Spinney and Spinneyfield Croft. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
11. Mount St Mary's Church
2026 and the church is set to be transformed into 175 luxury flats. | Igniyte Photo: Igniyte
12. Enjoyed this gallery?
Share your memories of Mount St Mary's Church with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN | YPN Photo: YPN