At this point on our journey, the river runs close to East Street which I remember well from my youth as a most comprehensive and satisfying pub crawl; between the river and road however, we have Rose Wharf, a former flax mill, converted to the plans of Leeds based Allen Tod Architects:
Rose Wharf
A further impressive range of mills follows on to our right; Bank Mills was built between 1824 and 1856; initially to the designs of John Clark of Edinburgh (also responsible for Hunslet Mills); whilst originally spinning flax, the premises were acquired by Roberts Mart & Co, manufacturers of paper bags and other packaging materials; one of the oldest business names in Leeds, the company moved its operations to the Cross Green Industrial estate in the early part of this century.
Bank Mills
Arguably, the regeneration of the Leeds waterfront was given greatest impetus by the decision of the Royal Armouries to disperse its collection and build a museum outside London.
Complete with a tilt yard for jousting exhibitions, we see the result on the south bank as we approach Leeds Lock;
Royal Armouries
Standing beside Clarence Dock, this imposing edifice houses one of the most impressive collections outside the capital and, a boon for Yorkshire folk, it’s free! The Mumtaz restaurant, (go there for fine South Asian cuisine – don’t go there if you can’t have your curry without alcohol) occupies a site on the opposite side of the dock from the Armouries; opened by non-other than HRH THE QUEEN, (god bless all who sail in her); the area is surrounded by modern apartments.
Check back in the next few days as John’s cruise continues…