Source: Yorkshire Post
THE Mansion in Roundhay Park remains one of the most famous and well-loved buildings in Leeds.
And a historic blue plaque from Leeds Civic Trust was unveiled yesterday at the Grade II listed building in recognition of its significance.
The director of Leeds Civic Trust, Kevin Grady, said: "The Trust is delighted that at last The Mansion has been splendidly refurbished so that Leeds people can once again enjoy eating and drinking in this landmark historic building.
"The Mansion was built by Thomas Nicholson in 1815 as the centrepiece of his wonderfully landscaped Roundhay estate.
"It was thanks to the acumen of John Barran, the mayor of Leeds, that this substantial part of the medieval hunting park, the Round Hay, was acquired for the people of Leeds in 1871.
"Since then, Roundhay Park and The Mansion have become one of the great treasures of Leeds."
Yesterday's ceremony follows the re-opening of the building last year after it was closed for six years. An £8m restoration project was carried out on the park and The Mansion by Leeds City Council, with major funding of £6.3m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The Mansion is an impressive regency country house, situated in 700 acres of woodland and water gardens.
The house was built in 1815 after architect John Clarke was commissioned to design it by the then owner of Roundhay Park, Thomas Nicholson.
The director of Leeds Civic Trust, Kevin Grady, said: "The Trust is delighted that at last The Mansion has been splendidly refurbished so that Leeds people can once again enjoy eating and drinking in this landmark historic building.
"The Mansion was built by Thomas Nicholson in 1815 as the centrepiece of his wonderfully landscaped Roundhay estate.
"It was thanks to the acumen of John Barran, the mayor of Leeds, that this substantial part of the medieval hunting park, the Round Hay, was acquired for the people of Leeds in 1871.
"Since then, Roundhay Park and The Mansion have become one of the great treasures of Leeds."
Yesterday's ceremony follows the re-opening of the building last year after it was closed for six years. An £8m restoration project was carried out on the park and The Mansion by Leeds City Council, with major funding of £6.3m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The Mansion is an impressive regency country house, situated in 700 acres of woodland and water gardens.
The house was built in 1815 after architect John Clarke was commissioned to design it by the then owner of Roundhay Park, Thomas Nicholson.
