Hark To Rover: The story of the Leeds cottages named after a local legend

The cottages on Morris Lane in Kirkstall are called Hark To Rover, a name derived from a local legend involving a barmaid, Mary, who worked at the Star and Garter in the suburb. She had taken a lover who was involved with a gang of highwaymen. They had waylaid and killed a victim at Kirkstall Abbey. She witnessed her lover burying the body, screaming and wailing in distress. Her dog, back in the cottage, heard her and began to bark incessantly when he heard her scream! A poem by Robert Southey 'The Maid of the Inn' narrates a tale, which is thought by some to be set at Kirkstall Abbey. The main photo of the cottages was taken in the 1930s and is one of 14 images showcasing life around Kirkstall during the decade. The images are published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. They also run heritage blog The Secret Library Leeds, which provides a behind the scenes look at the Central Library and highlights from its special collections, including rare books hidden away in the stacks. READ MORE: Memories of lost Leeds pubs in Burley and Kirkstall LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia