Leeds almshouses provided shelter and sanctuary for the poor

Leeds had a number of almshouses from the 17th century onward that offered low-cost, trust-held housing for people in need; several were founded by local merchants and benefactors and some were later rebuilt or demolished.

Leeds developed a network of almshouses that offered low-cost, community housing held in trust for local people in housing need. These institutions began in the 17th century and continued to serve vulnerable residents for many years. Many were established through the wills and endowments of local merchants and benefactors. Over time some buildings were rebuilt and others were removed as the city changed. Key historical points: - Harrison's Almshouses were founded in 1653 to house 40 poor women, endowed by merchant John Harrison with £1,000. - Arthur Ikin funded 12 houses added between 1790 and 1817, with eight more added on Harrison Street from 1826 to 1845. - Potter's Almshouses were provided by Mary Potter; they were founded in 1736, opened in 1738 for 10 poor widows, rebuilt in 1853 and later demolished for the Merrion Centre development. - Ibbeston's Almshouses opened in 1715 on Call Lane for poor men and were funded by James Ibbeston. - Jenkinson's Almshouses originated from Josiah Jenkinson's 1643 will that provided eight cottages; they were rebuilt on Mill Hill in 1806–07 and moved to St Mark's Road around 1838, providing nine dwellings. - Iveson's Almshouses were founded near the workhouse around 1695 as a gift of three houses by Lancelot Ibbetson, and the Harrison almshouses on Wade Lane were demolished in 1960 for redevelopment. Summary: These almshouses show how private endowments supported long-term local housing and social care in Leeds and how their physical presence changed over the centuries due to rebuilding and urban development. Undetermined at this time.