The seat of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Leeds, this early 20th-century cathedral on Cookridge Street stands as a Grade II* listed building and serves the city’s Catholic community alongside the Church of the Holy Rosary.
At a glance
Leeds Cathedral is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Leeds. Formally titled the Cathedral Church of St Anne, it occupies a prominent position in the city centre and was completed in 1904, replacing an earlier cathedral structure that had stood nearby.
History
The original cathedral was housed in St Anne’s Church, established in 1878. That building was demolished around 1900, prompting the construction of a new cathedral on Cookridge Street, which was finished in 1904. The reredos from the old cathedral’s high altar—designed by Pugin in 1842—was preserved and relocated to the lady chapel of the new building, maintaining a link to the diocese’s architectural heritage. The cathedral underwent comprehensive restoration in 2006.
What you see
The cathedral is a Grade II* listed building, indicating its architectural and historical importance. The structure incorporates elements from its predecessor, including the Pugin-designed reredos now positioned in the lady chapel, blending Victorian craftsmanship with early 20th-century design.
Cultural significance
Leeds Cathedral represents an important centre of Catholic worship in Yorkshire. Together with the Church of the Holy Rosary on Chapeltown Road, it serves the Leeds parish of Our Lady of Unfailing Help. The cathedral’s designation as a Grade II* listed building reflects its standing within England’s architectural and heritage landscape.
Key facts
- Country: United Kingdom
- City: Leeds, West Yorkshire
- Completed: 1904
- Restored: 2006
- Coordinates: 53.8007, -1.5468
- Listed status: Grade II*
Practical information & getting there
The cathedral is located on Cookridge Street in Leeds city centre. It serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Leeds and remains active as a place of worship and pilgrimage.
Sources & resources
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