Come and see the charter that everyone is talking about! Join us for a pop-up exhibition of archives from Leeds in the 17th century!

In 1626 Leeds was granted its first Royal Charter; a defining moment that set the town on a new path. Step back into the 1600s and explore what life in Leeds was really like 400 years ago. See remarkable original documents that reveal how Leeds was governed, how the textile trade began to grow and how the town responded to extraordinary challenges. From the upheaval of the English Civil War to the impact of a huge outbreak of plague, this pop-up exhibition brings the dramatic early history of the Borough of Leeds to life.

Find out what Leeds 400 is all about! This is a free, pop-in event, please join us any time between 10am-4pm on Friday 20th February 2026.