Below: the old Leeds Parish Church of St. Peter, before it was completely demolished in 1838, reopening in 1841. The last three pictures show demolition in progress.
Everything below is from Leeds Photographic Archives (Leeds City Council) click link for larger pictures, comments and to buy prints. (search for 'Parish Church' in 'City Centre')
The Vicar, Reverend Walter Farquhar Hook made a public address on 8th November 1837 when he said of St. Peter "comely it has ceased to be, because owing to various alterations which have taken place from time to time, not upon any fixed plan, the convenience of individuals rather than the accommodation of the public has been considered". A Building Committee was appointed to consider the work involved in renovating the Church which was medieval with additions in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. In March 1838 work commenced on the renovation but due to the discovery of severe structual problems most of the building was to be demolished and re-built to new designs by Robert Chantrell. Apart from the South wall, the Church was entirely rebuilt. By the time it opened in September 1841 the work had amounted to costs of £30,000.
1715: South prospect of the old parish church and a panoramic view of Leeds, with the church in the centre.
1838 Tinted sketch of the old Parish Church building, dated March 1838.
This was looking from the northwest before extensive rebuilding.
The watercolours below are by John N. Rhodes (1809-1842), painted about 1838, the artist was a patron at this time.
John Nicholas Rhodes was the son of Leeds born Joseph Rhodes (1778-1855). After working for several years in London, Joseph Rhodes returned to Leeds where he taught at a drawing academy. His pupils included his son John Nicholas and other Leeds worthies like William Gott and John Sheepshanks. John Nicholas Rhodes enjoyed success in London exhibiting at the Royal Academy, the British Institution and the Suffolk Street Gallery in the 1830s. His work was purchased and sold by Ackermann's of the Strand. His career was cut short by ill health and he returned to Leeds and, on 3rd December 1842, died of an apoplectic fit at his father's home at number 1 Alban's Street.
The Nave with the Altar in the distance. In the foreground the font can be seen standing on a raised dias. It is octagonal in shape and a padlock is carved on each face symbolising baptism as being the key to Christianity. This view of the Church shows the haphazard way the galleries had been erected, almost cutting through the fourteenth century clustered columns. There were far too many pews and pens of varying shapes and sizes.
The North Transept, looking Northwards. The old font dating from the time of Cromwell can be seen, left. It has a large, crocketed canopy. The royal coat-of-arms is visible in the arch on the right.
Demolition. The view looks West to the West window. In the background a gentleman in top hat surveys the scene of demolition and in the foreground a workman lifts a slab of stone into his wheelbarrow.
1912 The Parish Church of Leeds stands on Kirkgate, just north of the River Aire. The present church was built in 1841 on the site of several previous churches dating back to the 8th Century. Inside the church is the Leeds Cross, a 10th century relic containing Christian and Mythological symbols. The church was consecrated by the famous Vicar of Leeds Dr. Hook.
June 2009. Interior, looking east towards the altar.
The Altar. The painting of the Last Supper over the Altar was made in the style of Leonardo de Vinci. Also seen is the Italianate Oak Altar screen.
The South Transept from the North. The South gallery was constructed in 1713. The South wall of the South aisle and the window depicting St. Peter, seen here, remained intact during re-building. The window was made in 1811 by Wright of Leeds and is a rare example of the tradition of English glass painting. On the right the font, dating to the times of Cromwell, is visible. It has a crocketed canopy. A woman wearing an apron holds a sweeping brush as she speaks to the man seated on a bench.
Demolition in progress looking North-West from the Chancel.
When the galleries, pews and staircases were taken out a wide variety of objects were discovered beneath the flooring. There were fans, smelling bottles, vinaigrettes, coins toothpick, knives, gloves, book markers, brooches and pins.
c.1880 Engraving of N.W. window of the Parish Church, Leeds as rebuilt 1841; engraved and published by T.H. Ellis, 51 Jewin St., London.
6th April 1950. Elevated view down the nave of Leeds Parish Church (St. Peter's), towards the altar. Balconies with carved fronts are on the left and right.
The Altar from the South Aisle of the Chancel.
Looking North East from the organ screen, which had been erected in the Chancel arch spoiling the proportions of the architecture.
Westward view of the Chancel from the Altar. As seen in the painting, the organ was positioned in the Chancel in 1714 which meant partially walling up the Chancel arch and altering the proportions.
Demolition. Looking East to the East window. Here, the Church is being stripped of wooden fittings, possibly panelled pews.
1872. New Parish Church from the north west. From an engraving which was on the cover of the Church Bells magazine no 94, vol 11 on Saturday October 12th 1872. Engraving shows church with people and a horse and carriage outside.
22nd September 1999 View of Leeds Parish Church (St Peters) on Kirkgate. The first church on this site was probably built in the 7th Century while the present building was designed by RD Chantroll and built in 1841. It seats around 2,000 people and its tower is 140 feet high