Bear Pit

In 1837, a society of the great and the good was set up to establish a public zoological and botanical gardens in Leeds to provide ‘healthy recreation’. It was privately funded: the public were invited to buy £10 shares. The gardens opened in 1840. A high wall (most of which survives today) was built around the gardens with a main entrance on what is now Spring Road. There were lakes, a fountain, paths, rare and fine flowers and plants, but little wildlife. A variety of entertainments were later introduced to attract visitors.
Although open every day, even on Sunday after protest, the gardens were poorly attended and failed to make money, though the opening of a nearby railway station in 1849 meant easier access. In 1852, after the showman Tommy Clapham took over and renamed the site ‘The Royal Gardens’, they gained a new lease of life. However, financial problems persisted and the gardens closed for good in 1858. Cardigan Road was built through the middle and plots for villas were sold off on each side.

By the 1840s bear pits were popular - there were others at Wakefield and Sheffield. The cruel sport of bear-baiting was banned in 1835 but people, especially children, enjoyed feeding bears. This turreted, castle-like design, overlooking the ornamental lake, was unusual as most were simply pits with railings. A tunnel led under the towers to the brick lined pit behind. Visitors climbed stairs in the towers to throw buns to the bear, which climbed a pole to catch them.