Tercentenary Celebrations in the Ruined Abbey

Admire the majesty of Kirkstall Abbey on Leeds' 300th birthday.

These fascinating glimpses of Leeds' elaborate tercentenary celebrations palpably convey the collective sense of civic pride that the events clearly inspired. The breathtaking overhead shots of Catholic pilgrims pouring into Kirkstall Abbey emphasise the magnificence of the 12th century structure, which is still regarded as one of West Yorkshire's key visitor attractions today.

The bowler-hatted men laying wreathes at the cenotaph are representatives from the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) which at the time of filming was one of the largest fraternal organisations in the UK. Also known as the Buffs, the Order remains in existence, and boasts two Prime Ministers, a Lord Chief Justice and a bishop amongst its former members.