Leeds Heritage Walk: Barnbow, Crossgates & Austhorpe's Changing Landscape

Join me on a walk through the rapidly transforming East Leeds areas of Barnbow, Crossgates, and Austhorpe! We're tracing a path where the ghosts of industrial warfare meet the cutting edge of modern development.

Our journey begins adjacent to the site of the Barnbow National Filling Factory No. 1. This was a massive, secretive site during World War I, where thousands of people - mostly women, known as the "Barnbow Lasses" - produced millions of artillery shells. It was the scene of the devastating 1916 explosion that tragically killed 35 workers.

We head towards Crossgates, passing the disused Lazencroft Farm, before reaching the former site of the Barnbow Tank Factory. In World War II, this area was repurposed to produce tanks like the Cromwell and Comet, making it vital to the war effort. Production continued into the Cold War era before the site was eventually closed and sold for housing.

We cross the Selby to Leeds railway line, which is currently being electrified, bringing a 21st-century upgrade to a historic transport corridor. The route takes us past the impressive Austhorpe Hall, a beautiful historic residence with origins dating back to the 17th century.

Finally, we head through open countryside before emerging at the modern business and shopping hub of Thorpe Park. We complete the loop by walking through a new housing development and observing the significant construction of the new railway station, which is set to service this thriving, constantly evolving area.

This walk perfectly captures the dramatic industrial legacy and rapid growth of Leeds!

📍 Key Locations & History:

Barnbow National Filling Factory No. 1: Major WWI shell production site (1915-1918).

Barnbow Tank Factory Site: WWII manufacturing hub for Cromwell and Comet tanks.

Austhorpe Hall: Historic local landmark.

Railway Electrification: Major infrastructure upgrade on the Selby to Leeds line.

New Railway Station: Construction signalling major local growth.

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#Crossgates #YorkshireWalks #IndustrialHeritage #HiddenHistory #RailwayElectrification
#UrbanExploration #Leeds #ThorpeParkLeeds