Industrial History Online

Industrial History Online

Sheepscar Tannery

Description and History of Site:-
Established in 1840 the existing five storey buildings date from the 1850's and form a long 44 bay façade facing onto Scott Hall Road. The southern part of the complex has a louvred top storey for drying skins. Currently (2022) seems unoccupied and possibly at risk from redevelopment. Sheepscar Tannery and glueworks was set up by Messrs Wilson & Walker Ltd, elements of the site date back to 1823. From 1904, operated by Charles Stead predominantly processing domestic sheepskins for making book-bindings, chamois and 'fancy' leathers. At that time the works also processed imported and already tanned hides from India. At that time the works relied on water power from Meanwood beck. By about 1910 a steam engine was employed to power the works and additionally generate electricity for lighting. The range of leather products expanded through the C20, to include many types used for a variety of purposes. Latterly, the firm particularly focussed on the production of Suede while continuing to provide other leather products.


Further Reading and References:-
Leach, P and Pevsner, N. Yorkshire West Riding, Leeds Bradford and the North. The Buildings of England. Yale, 2009, pp 465.
https://www.cfstead.com/heritage/


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Key Words :- tannery leather

Viewing the Site :- No public access in industrial use can be viewed from the public road

Address :- Sheepscar St North, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3AF
Grid Ref :- SE 3045 3529
Co-ordinates :- Lat 53.813009 , Long -1.539030
Local Authority :- Leeds Council
Pre 1974 County :- Yorkshire - West Riding
Site Status :- Site extant - Protected status unknown
Site Condition :- Site in alternative industrial use
Record Date :- 10 December 2015

Copyright :- cc-by-nc-sa 4.0 © John Suter