Yorkshire is home to many, many examples of stunning Architecture, both old and new. Many fine examples can be found in the cities of Sheffield, York, Hull and Bradford, but Leeds is the home to several of the buildings of arguably the most high-profile Yorkshire Architect – Cuthbert Broderick.
Leeds Town Hall
Broderick was born in 1821 in Hull, whose father was a well-to-do merchant and ship owner. After studying in Hull, then travelling to Rome and Paris to continue his studies, Broderick entered an Architectural competition in 1852, aged 29, to design Leeds Town Hall. The magnificent Town Hall building was eventually opened in 1858 by Queen Victoria however, the prominent clock tower was not part of the original design, and was added later when the civic leaders sought an even grander Architectural statement.
Leeds Corn Exchange
Broderick also famously designed Leeds Corn Exchange, another Architectural landmark and mainstay of Leeds City Centre, as well as the Mechanics Institute at Millenium Square, which is now home to the Leeds City Museum. Other notable buildings designed by Broderick include Hull Royal Institution building and the Hull Town Hall, as well as The Grand Hotel in Scarborough.
Broderick retired from Architecture in 1870, eventually moving to France, where he spent his time painting, exhibiting his work, and gardening.
