Meanwood
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Meanwood is a suburb of north-west Leeds, West Yorkshire, England.
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[edit] Geography and buildings
Meanwood consists predominantly of nineteenth-century industrial buildings in Meanwood Valley at the sides of Meanwood Beck. There is also nineteenth-century terraced housing on the valley side leading up to Headingley, Weetwood and Woodhouse, along with an area of woodland known locally as The Ridge. New estates have been built in Meanwood with grand, suburban housing, the Woodlea's, the Stonegate's and the Bowood's. Twentieth-century council housing mixed with open space forms the opposite side of the valley leading up to Scott Hall. Meanwood Park, in the north of the area, is one of Leeds's best loved open spaces, and Meanwood is also home to Meanwood Valley Urban Farm. With the Meanwood valley trail and its vast park, Meanwood has a distinctly countryside feel.
In the middle of an unremarkable estate of inter-war semis behind Stonegate Road stands the gothic giant Meanwood Towers. Designed by Edward Welby Pugin, and built in 1867, this private house was commissioned by Thomas Stewart Kennedy. It used to house one of the world’s most famous Edmund Schulze organs, which has since been transferred to St Bartholomew’s church in nearby Armley. Sadly, the building has been converted into flats, however the magnificence of the structure still survives.
The clock of Meanwood Parish Church was manufactured by Edward J. Dent (1790-1853), who with his son made the timepiece associated with 'Big Ben' in London.
[edit] History, folklore and notable residents
Captain Oates (of the ill-fated Scott expedition to Antarctica) often resided in Meanwood. There is a monument to his bravery located close to Meanwood Parish Church.
[edit] Sport and social activities
Meanwood is famous for one of the most successful Goals Soccer Centers’ 5-a-side teams, Meanwood F.C., which has captured the imagination of the Stonegate and Parkside residents and become significantly popular amongst the local area. This team may be insignificant on a global scale but it has earned them cult status amongst the general public of the Meanwood area, which is mainly been due to the way they have promoted themselves.
Other social sporting activities in Meanwood include the Meanwood Valley Trail Race, which is a cross country race that has been going since 1996.
[edit] External links
- Photos of Meanwood on Flickr.
- Meanwood F.C. Meanwood's 5-a-side football team.
- Leeds Attractions: Meanwood Valley Urban Farm Information regarding one of Meanwood’s main attractions.
- Map of Meanwood. A Google map of Meanwood.
