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Queen's Arcade
In the wake of Thornton's buildings other developers' focussed their attentions on the old yards: downhill and parallel to Thornton's ArcadeGlossary Term is the QUEEN'S ARCADEGlossary Term of 1889 by Edward Clark of London (where, like George Smith, Clark designed music halls). It was built on the site of the Rose-and-CrownGlossary Term Yard and was more ambitious than Thornton's in that it also included an hotel. Its main front faces Lands Lane - a classicalGlossary Term stuccoGlossary Term facade of four storeys.
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- Leeds, Briggate, Queen's Arcade
The present frontage to Briggate is an improvement of 1896, when two shops south of the entrance were rebuilt and the arcadeGlossary Term entrance widened. It is announced by another fine clock, this time on a bracketGlossary Term over the street.
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- Leeds, Briggate, Queen's Arcade
The rather garish interior, restored in 1991-2, has modern shop fronts but much to enjoy. Pilasters with ornate capitals separate the ground floor shops; the division continues between former small shops and offices at galleryGlossary Term level, into which lightGlossary Term is reflected by white glazed bricks. The galleryGlossary Term is no longer accessible although the top of a spiral stairGlossary Term is visible at the Briggate end. The upper floor on the south side was designed as a separate 'street' of small shops opening off the balcony, each having a kitchen and bedroom above arcadeGlossary Term roof level. On the N side the Queens ArcadeGlossary Term Hotel, with entrances on the ground floor and on the galleryGlossary Term where there was an office, bar, two billiard rooms and a smoke room. The rhythm is followed in the pierced arched cast ironGlossary Term roof trusses supporting the glass roof.
Last updated: Monday, 26th January 2009