Angela ThompsonAfter almost three decades of dedicated service to the East Leeds History and Archaeology Society (ELHAS), Crossgates residents Bob (83) and Jacki (78) Lawrence are stepping back from the organisation that has been such a significant part of their lives. Their remarkable contributions were recently recognised in the House of Commons, where both were formally congratulated for their outstanding impact on the East Leeds community.
ELHAS was founded in January 1998, and Bob, already a keen historian, joined just two months later, in March. Jacki followed in 2004, and in 2008 became the society’s primary speaker when Bob became president, a position he held with passion and dedication. Reflecting on their involvement, Bob describes it as a “meaningful hobby” though one that became all-consuming over time. Both Bob and Jacki marvel at how quickly the years have passed.
The society originally operated from Crossgates Library, where they were given access to an empty study room that they transformed into a space for displaying their growing collection of historical artefacts. This space eventually became the East Leeds Heritage Centre. Here, they shared their knowledge and passion for history with many local school groups. In the days before online resources like Ancestry.com, Bob ran courses on family history research, helping people access parish records on microfiche. This service attracted inquiries from around the world.
Together, Bob and Jacki played a key role in producing the society’s Leeds History Journal. Their illustrated talks on local history took them across Yorkshire, and their television appearances helped bring their work to wider audiences. They featured on programmes including Look North, Inside Out, War Factories: The First Giants on the Yesterday channel, and Great British Cities with Susan Calman, where they discussed Montague Burton, the city’s famous tailoring institution. That episode is still available to watch on catch-up.
One of their most important contributions has been raising awareness of the Barnbow Lasses – the women who worked at the Barnbow Munitions Factory in Crossgates and documenting the tragic explosion there in December 1916. Their work has ensured this chapter of local history is not forgotten. The legacy of the Barnbow Lasses can be seen throughout Crossgates, from the monument in Manston Park and the William Parkin Bridge, which honours the hero who saved lives, to the renamed Barnbow pub and the nearby streets named after the victims.
Bob and Jacki were also instrumental in celebrating the 300th anniversary of civil engineer John Smeaton. Bob authored and published Smeaton of Austhorpe, a short history of the life and works of this famous East Leeds engineer. They were invited to a wreath laying ceremony at Westminster Abbey in recognition of Smeaton’s contributions but unfortunately due to Bob’s ill health, only Jacki could attend.
When Crossgates Library closed for refurbishment in early 2022 and never reopened, it marked the beginning of the end for the society. The archives and books were transferred to Leeds Library Services, and the artefacts were donated to other museums. Throughout this process, Bob and Jacki have worked with great integrity to ensure that the stories they’ve uncovered will live on for future generations.
The tribute paid to Bob and Jacki in the House of Commons celebrated the lasting impact of their work, describing it as “an inspirational and exemplary case study of the positive influence that local history groups can have on their communities.”
Their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of local historians and history enthusiasts, particularly through their work with schools and the many exhibitions that have brought the story of East Leeds to life.
In Bob’s own words: “It has been a privilege and a pleasure to have been involved with the society over the last twenty-seven years, and we are very grateful for the opportunities which have been afforded to us.”
The final meeting of ELHAS will be held at Crossgates Methodist Church Hall on Friday, 28 November, at 2:00 pm.
