Mount St Mary's Church, Leeds

Mount St Mary's Church is a Gothic Revival church in Richmond Hill, Leeds, featuring a tall central nave with side aisles and walls of brick reinforced by stone columns. The interior is structured with pointed arches characteristic of the Gothic style, creating a sense of vertical height throughout the building.

Architect Joseph Hansom designed this church, which faced interruptions during construction before finally opening on September 13, 1866. The building received Grade II* listing status, acknowledging its importance as a historical and architectural landmark.

The church served as a gathering place for Irish Catholic families who arrived in Leeds during and after the Great Irish Famine of the 1840s. These communities shaped the neighborhood's character and left a lasting mark on its social fabric.

The church has remained closed to the public since 1989 and cannot be entered from the outside. Plans exist to convert the building into approximately 175 residential apartments, which would transform its use and accessibility.

The church still contains its original marble altar and stained glass windows made by Hardman & Co despite being abandoned for decades. These ornate elements have survived weather and neglect, offering glimpses of the building's former grandeur.

Location: Leeds

Inception: September 13, 1866

Architects: Joseph Hansom

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

GPS coordinates: 53.79392,-1.52633

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:07