Hidden Secrets of Leeds Station | Demolition Starts!

Exploring behind the scenes at Leeds City Station & the old Wellington Station, uncovering all of it's history and Hidden Secrets. We visit many areas that the public don't get to see, such as underneath the dark arches, hidden air raid shelters, old subway and the many basement levels below.
VIDEO INFORMATION CREDITS & THANK YOU'S
Network Rail
Balfour Beatty
Leeds Station
Leeds Council
National Library of Scotland
Leodis
Richard Butter
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#adventureme #leeds #leedsstation #yorkshire #history #hiddensecrets

[@simonmcowan6874]

I know progress is difficult to avoid, but I'd like to see more of the past kept intact where possible.

[@wideyxyz2271]

Agreed, what's this fascination of bricking up old arches? They are everywhere, its as if they dont want you to see what's under them!

[@DigBipper188]

Sadly a lot of councils disagree on that one - Leeds being no exception. Plenty of old buildings that could still be used with a bit of renovation end up being blasted and replaced. The only thing that slows them down's a grade II listing. in all fairness that doesn't annoy me as much as the gaudy architecture that replaces it. Victoria gate is one such example. Absolute eyesore against the other buildings along the headrow!

[@Grid56]

Yes it's a shame indeed. When the new London Bridge station was built they took pains to retain as much of the old underdrawing as possible and incorporate it either structurally or decoratively . It'd be nice if some of this could be done here.

[@xaiano794]

So many people say this yet so few are willing to pay for such renovation work which can cost 10-20 times as much as redevelopment

[@kathclark4670]

Once the past has been demolished, then it is gone for good. Isn't the past meant to be kept for future generations? I would of liked more of the past kept for future generations, sadly they will never get to see what we have now......all for progress and regeneration. Takes a long time to build a building but seconds to demolish it.

[@rikkilamb]

The current queens hotel is not the 60s version, there is no such thing. It was built in the 30s by the Midland Railway when they rebuilt the hotel and wellington street station. The ground floor of the former restaurant was not partnof queens hotel but was a stand alone building, the upper 4 floors were removed in the 60s to create the current approach.

[@cyberleaderandy1]

The white tiled bricks would have been bricks coated with enamel. These are coated before firing and give a glossy surface. They are often found in pit head baths, toilets, kitchens etc of old buildings.

[@papalegba6796]

Stunning mate. An amazed you got access. There's some right work to do tho, don't hold your breath on completion.

[@fatlad5090]

cant believe they are going to rip all that brick work out and girders. more victorian craftsmanship gone

[@TyredCyclist]

I’m not saying we shouldn’t preserve any of it but it’s quite amusing that the Victorians had no sentimentality when it came to expanding the railways or industry (have a look at the York city walls for example).

[@northwesttrainspotting507]

I agree, we should be preserving these old railway infrastructure, not ripping it out and destroying it. Absolutely frustrating.

[@AndrewJohnson-ur3lw]

The Queens hotel was built in 1937 - it has various art deco features of the period that help give clues about the date.

[@KezzaGym]

1863

[@JuneBrook-qd2en]

@KezzaGym The present Queen's Hotel does date from 1937 as Andrew Johnson says and is very Art Deco in style. It replaced the old victorian Queen's Hotel that you are referring to.

[@familylife3624]

Love that little video there Darren really interesting how many different layers of history there is down there and all the hard work that's gone into making it possible is mind boggling

[@oliverwilkinson5773]

Wonder where the old markets used to be also hope the old doors get donated to be perserved

[@josephboulderstone-salthou3188]

On You Tube 'New Civil Engineer' has an article on rebuilding a mill under Leeds Station on the Goit

[@Mortimer50145]

When I was a lad growing up in Leeds in the late 1960s, I remember people talking about "The Dark Arches" as if they were the Seventh Level of Dante's Inferno. Certainly they didn't look the sort of place that you ever wanted to find yourself late at night on your own. But now they've lit the arches, tidied them up, encouraged shops down there and even provided a walking route from the canal to the main entrance of the station and City Square. Things have definitely improved!

[@martinmarsola6477]

Thank you for the video today. Very factual and informative to see. Good to see you again, Darren. Enjoy the week ahead, and see you on the next. Cheers mate! 😊

[@srfurley]

Why does the station need a new entrance in addition to the three that it already has?

[@AdventureMe]

It's not an additional entrance. It's improvements to the main one. Entrance access if you will

[@juliebrooke6099]

All those steps proposed for the new entrance don’t look at all suitable for disabled people or even people with wheeled suitcases. I hope there will be a level alternative.

[@trevorkent7916]

Fascinating

[@waynepaxford7263]

Excellent video Darren very interesting to hear the history of Leeds station and the area of it. Its just amazing to watch this series of videos I can't wait for next video I hope you and your family and friends are well and safe

[@oddsandwindsocks5905]

Hi Darren, what a shame that the whole lot will get flattened for the new steps for the station

[@safirahmed]

Great video and the space underneath the Leeds Railway Station could in future be used for additional rail access, bus services or even increased canal capacity.

[@jetsons101]

So many layers of construction, what a puzzle to try and figure it all out. Darren, you have so much history just outside your front door, our home was built in 1961 and were considered an OLD neighborhood ---- LOL. If I ever make it to England, I would be more than happy to be a off camera helper.... Thanks for posting.

[@AdventureMe]

You would be welcome to

[@lindseykaine-walley6339]

Another History lesson, another Brilliant video Darren. If this was for a GCSE I would definitely take it! Really interesting and inspiring. 👍

[@Mitch-Hendren]

Fascinating history there . its glazed bricks the name you're thinking of . Itll be brilliant when its finished

[@Mitch-Hendren]

P.s i was a bit premature there 😏😏

[@jeffdayman8183]

Wow. A lot of buried / non visible history there Darren. Love the signwriting on the old stores and joiner/upholsterer's shops. I enjoyed the video. Cheers!

[@MrSBGames]

The amount of pedestrianizing has me so worried. No point making the centre "accessible" if you can't actually get to the centre... Busses are a joke and there are very limited intercity stations to come in via train...

[@harri2626]

As a Leeds Loiner, and not having lived in Leeds for forty years, it amazes me how much has changed/is changing. Thank you for your detective work.

[@patmustardlive]

Spencer’s are building new station opposite my house in churwell Leeds

[@lynnballington8467]

Hello Darren how are you love your vidio of the Leeds railway station very interested did you have a fantastic time in grand canary best wishes take care stay safe xx

[@AdventureMe]

I sure did

[@frogandspanner]

1:38 Those tile bricks are from the Late Victorian Lavatorial 1b period.

[@shirleysmith1713]

Very interesting Darren. Love the history 👍🏻😎☀️

[@nigelbarker4135]

Hi Darren, I believe that the rebuilt arches are the ones around the pub and Italian restaurants. If you look up around there you’ll see the old red brick pillars with the Staffordshire blue brick which where fired at a higher temperature and for longer to make them stronger and less likely to be damaged by an intense fire. A disgusting waste of money all that intended demolition when what we need is more and cheaper train. Brilliant work on getting access to all these sites at the station as it’s something I’ve been trying to do for years. Well done brother 😀👍👏👏👏👏👏

[@roberte5303]

That was excellent...one of your best

[@gavlosmedia6323]

That restaurant will always be Dinos to me!

[@ianbennett1491]

More of old Leeds vanishing.Shameful.

[@samuell.foxton4177]

it's not going to be cycle hire (well, there might be a station for the new public bike hire there), it's for cycle parking so there is actually space for people to ride their bikes to the station (to replace the round building above)

[@groovydonkey]

I'm always fascinated watching your videos, but it must be amazing actually being there and exploring it all.😀👍👍👍

[@DEAD-DROP]

Appreciate you giving us the chance to see these bits of history before so much of it is gone. Really great work once again!

[@damedavidfrith55]

Thanks for another cracking vlog so interesting 🧐

[@robparker1625]

Fantastic video. Nice work.

[@robertwilloughby8050]

I remember when it was the Italian BEFORE Shabab. A christmas works dinner where I had Stinicotti, and narrowly avoided the ire of the resident vegetarian, thanks to Russell having the veal.....🙂

[@fatlad5090]

brilliant

[@hollimurray8856]

It's a shame it's getting demolished but hey ho. Brilliant video 😊

[@shirleylynch7529]

Fascinating. Lots of history you are preserving on film. Great video. So informative. Thank you Darren. Look forward to next instalment.

[@fatlad5090]

i was taking them girders away whats above your head today. 4 peaces weighed 24.5 tons. They are cut up into peaces very heavy

[@AdventureMe]

I have it on film for this Sunday

[@stephenlongthorpe3812]

I worked it the canal basin in 1982. On my walk to work down the Dark Arches to the canal. To cross Monks lock there was a narrow pontoon to get across the canal, which still had water in it. I don't recall the gates as it was pitchblack in the tunnel and no lighting.

[@tomgirldouble3249]

How many entrances are there now? Haven't been since 2019 & think there was 3 then?🤔

[@AdventureMe]

Still three

[@johnreynolds5103]

Great work nat always!

[@andywilliamson]

Another great piece ! your knowledge and research has paid off

[@DM00SE]

Best pizza I ever had in the uk was in that restaurant. It might have been a different shop as I think it was an Italian at one point.

[@rjowen]

Dino's Italian, I think.

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

Another very interesting tour of the labyrinth beneath Leeds Station. How do you find your bearings inside all those tunnels?. It all looks an impressive reconstruction job, but it would be fascinating to watch the removal of those massive girders. Great video - thanks!

[@christelbraune4530]

Entschuldige dass "ich" war zuviel 😂😂😂

[@stephenjdixon1]

I don,t remember the so called canal basin but thereabouts was the dry dock belonging to the wooden barge repair works where my grandfather and his brother were shiprights

[@MrSiddysounds]

Dry docks are the 2 left legs looking towards the river lock with the station on the left.

[@waynesylvester4901]

So much history...gets swept away....but i thoroughly enjoyed this one my friend

[@Sharon-marie]

I wish i knew one of the workmen to get me a victorian or 1930s light switch its weird but just something ive always wanted for a keepsake of history

[@AnderJTK]

Its like watching a preview of what is to come and destroy everything that used to be. Good bye England.😢😢😢😢

[@tomgirldouble3249]

Love this series, your videos are always so informative 😊

[@michaelrender1584]

Another interesting video Darren

[@AppleyardAndy]

Leeds is being destroyed in the name of progress. Classic gorgeous architecture obliterated in the name of modernity.

[@MrSadler515]

NR could be making 10k a month from those disused arches, a team of bobcats would clear them in a couple weeks.

[@c0d3w4rri0r]

It makes me sad to see these old building demolished and filled in. I appreciate times change and the needs of the city change. But we no longer build building like this. Modern architecture seems to have this one bland corporate style. There is no space for artistic masonry or glazed brick. No space for arches and ornamentation or odd little nooks and crannies with twisting corridors. Now spaces have to be wide and open and very plane and undecorated. If we don’t either do a better job of preserving these old spaces or forcing architects to do more with old styles we will loose that … well cultural heritage I suppose. Leeds seems to be in the process of filling in and closing off all its tunnels and underpasses. Overpasses too. Most cities are. But I think they make a city more interesting. Cities like Helsinki make a feature of their underground space. We should do that in the UK. Our overpasses and other high vantage points too.

[@rikkilamb]

Most of that building was demolished in the 60s, only the ground floor remained.

[@c0d3w4rri0r]

@@rikkilamb True, a similar thing could be said for the old Bradford Kirkgate market. The 60s saw a lot of interesting buildings just bite the dust in the name of modernity. Very often what replaced them is now considered eyesores. Still there’s a soft spot in my heart for shadowy twisting brick corridors and stone archways of the old industrial past. The not so pretty inside part of our industrial / pre war architecture. The stuff the redevelopment crew tends to crunch into dust because the general public isn’t even aware it exists even if it liked it.

[@rikkilamb]

@c0d3w4rri0r I agree, I much prefer the victorian architecture myself too. Thankfully some parts of kirkgate market are in storage.

[@c0d3w4rri0r]

@@rikkilamb I was unaware of this. Who has them? Bradford Council?

[@rikkilamb]

@c0d3w4rri0r Yes Bradford Council. There are some parts at Listers Mill, Lister Park, some other bits in storage and some on display in Little Germany

[@NSYresearch]

I worked out of Leeds Station for 10 years but never knew this was underneath

[@MarkDenson-ld8bf]

Thank you Darren and as I have mentioned before I do really enjoy your videos

[@ronnievenhorst9873]

Very nice video

[@blackbob3358]

They be glazed bricks, Jack.

[@anthonyellis987]

It's great that so much history is been recorded for prosperity before it vanishes. Really enjoying the series.

[@zogzoogler]

Enamelled bricks are likely Leeds Fireclay / Burmantoft pottery a side product of coal seams.

[@lucywilliams6493]

Wow if you got into there so can the homeless

[@considerlizards]

There's no exploration like that of your own city! I've often peered into the darker corners of the station and wondered what hidden gems there were. Fascinating, and well made to boot.

[@christelbraune4530]

Danke Darren ich ❤

[@trevorgibson8563]

Could the shiny bricks be glazed bricks sir we had them in old under ground toilets in Burslem STOKE ON TRENT in the 60,s.Again great show.I left to AUSTRALIA in 1969

[@marchall-f2v]

your content is brilliant, i loved the bradford train stations stuff as i work at the great victoria hotel, i never knew it was such a big station, thank you

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@julianlyons711]

Great video and history

[@gjb82]

Fascinating as always... For some reason this isn't appearing in the "latest video" section of the channel just FYI

[@AdventureMe]

I know. It's been taken offline until I confirm something.

[@DigitalJunior2003]

I can recommend the BLACKPOOL Tower heritage tour. Behind the scenes Circus and Ballroom etc only £10

[@MrSteveBertone]

I only recently found your channel via Facebook, so firstly thank you for the fascinating insight into the history around Leeds, i have a very keen interest in Urban change in particular the railways and how they shaped everything we see today, I live in Leeds and often walk around these areas looking at the old infrastructure that remains piecing it together, but you have provided more contexts, which is definitely appreciated. I also bore my wife with the history of Golden acre as we walk around it regularly so your video provided a little more proof I was correct with my facts 😂. Due to my work I get to spend a lot of time in disused places like this and I was recently lucky enough to spend time in York, at the works being carried out diverting Leeman road, looking at what remains of the York Carriage works (beyond what is the railway museum) and the rail infrastructure around it, before it too is demolished to make way for urban expansion and retail building works. Thank you for your videos I have subscribed and look forward to more.

[@kayestafford5214]

Amazing what you showed us. What engineering!! Wow thanks so much for sharing all this. I was born in Leeds back in the day!! Blessings to you we are praying for you every day Gary and Kaye ps Gary was born in Rochdale

[@christinehodge3608]

Very interesting,

[@DazDT]

I've really enjoyed these bits you've done under Leeds station Darren! I've travelled up above so many times and I remember the subway toilets as well as a young boy, but I never knew there was so much history underneath the platforms! I'm the landlord at the Polka Hop in Wakefield, if you're ever passing and fancy a pint or few they'll be on me mate. I'd love to hear about your experience in the tunnels beneath the station. Take care and thanks for all the entertaining videos!

[@70mmbobbyj]

Great video, all very interesting Certainly giving Mr Tim Dunn a run for his money. Keep up the good work.

[@markking392]

Why on earth would they knock down a lovely old building like that to build a horrible new entrence. When they could have used that building in stead for a new entrence. Them building arctecs I'm sure of there tits. With that greenhouse there using for a new entrence.

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

Thank you for the helpful cut to the map bits. Another great video, especially as you were having to think on your feet alot of the time with mr. Network Rail breathing down your neck pushing you for time.

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

He was ignored by all the trendy boys in London. Yes and in Leeds. Now all the vultures they’re comin down from the trees. He’s gonna be - in the gallery.

[@angelajuneholmes4933]

Absolutely fascinating, so love your exploration of Leeds station and it’s mysterious depths . It’s vast and so full of history. Thank you for taking us with you and showing us your discoveries and for the history too . 😊

[@ebonysweetnesssweetness5153]

How fastinating I didn't known this all existed under street level. My cousins used to have a clothes shop under the what was called the Dark Arches where cars pass between the Queens Hotel under the train station and the Hilton Hotel. I will share this video.

[@jamesthornber6991]

Oh wow.what an amazing tour and video.well done and keep up the great work

[@AdventureMe]

Thank you! Will do!

[@howardgibson]

In the early 70s I installed ventilation in what was the BRSA Club prior to it being converted into the indian restaurant

[@davidberlanny3308]

Hi Darren those vaults are just enormous and below the level of the canal so it appears. Amazing what is hidden below us out of sight. Great video, well done, have a great week!!

[@stephensutcliffe1555]

Thank you very much for this upload.I knew there were arches underneath leeds station but I was not aware of the amazing warren of them that you see here in this video.there did used to be a soap factory on whitehall road.I believe that you can still see one or two vents from them around the city centre.please upload some more footage if possible.thank you.

[@Geoffreytomlinson24]

Always a good watch, just a thought, where did all those bricks get made? there must be 1000s

[@stephenjdixon1]

see below. Unless the canal basin is the former Co-op coal unloading wharf next door to boatyard

[@betterrobots]

thank you for answering like 18473 questions i still had at the back of my mind after a decade as a Leeds resident and a frequent station user.

[@BevMattocks]

Glazed bricks

[@erniecamhan]

I'm a Scots man who lived in Leeds for 21 years, I loved the place, my now wife and son went to the dark arches loads

[@WiggysanWiggysan]

LOVE seeing parts of the city that we NEVER get to see & now at least you have it archived for all time. Great work Darren. Such a pleasure to watch you getting amazing access.

[@lindamccaughey6669]

That was fabulous thanks. It’s a shame about all that history going, hope they keep some in show

[@SheardTV1]

Excellent! Thank you for your time making these videos.

[@johnnygorner3220]

Leeds since 1971. Thank you for sharing this 👍

[@mcdowellbuses]

I love you ❤ video keeping going I no can be hard sometimes to keep video going

[@mandycoleman1394]

That’s was fantastic ! Enjoying these vlogs so much ! X

[@michaeldibb]

A cracking explore, thanks! 👍

[@thomasmurdock]

Glazed bricks - love ‘em!

[@Andrewjg_89]

Incredible to see how Leeds does have it’s own secrets. I only been to Leeds once.

[@michaelmiller641]

That was fascinating,thanks Darren

[@sparkyprojects]

Those beams obviously support something heavy, what happens when they remove them ?

[@AdventureMe]

It's a road deck above. They're replacing them. The road will be closed temporarily