Bedale Leech House

Bedale Leech House is a small red-brick building with castellated features that was designed specifically to store medicinal leeches for medical use. The structure is compact and includes an internal water supply system and a fireplace to keep conditions stable for keeping the creatures alive.

The building was constructed in the late 1700s as a specialized facility supporting medical practice in northern England. It was part of an established system that helped doctors carry out their treatments with these creatures.

Leeches were central to how doctors treated patients in this area during that period. The building itself shows how seriously the community took this form of medical care.

The building is located in Bedale and can be seen from the street, though visitors cannot enter as it is a protected structure. It is best viewed from outside to appreciate the original red-brick architecture and design features.

It is the last surviving building of its kind in England and offers a rare glimpse into a forgotten medical practice. Few places show so clearly how different medical care looked two centuries ago.

Location: Bedale

GPS coordinates: 54.28918,-1.58959

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:43