John Betjeman blue plaque · Discover Alone

What is recorded here

This blue commemorative plaque records: Whitelocks Occupying a medieval Briggate burgage plot, it was first licensed as the Turk's Head in 1715. Rebuilt by the Whitelock family in the 1880s, it later extended into the row of Georgian working men's cottages. John Betjeman described it as 'the very heart of Leeds' Recorded plaque organisation: Leeds Civic Trust.

Sir John Betjeman CBE was a renowned English poet and writer who served as Poet Laureate from 1972 until his death in 1984, known for his nostalgic verse and advocacy for the preservation of historic buildings and architecture. He highlighted the cultural significance of Whitelocks, describing it as 'the very heart of Leeds', underscoring its importance to local heritage.

Address: Briggate
Access: view from the public way where possible
Location: Open Plaques mapped point
Inscription: Whitelocks Occupying a medieval Briggate burgage plot, it was first licensed as the Turk's Head in 1715. Rebuilt by the Whitelock family in the 1880s, it later extended into the row of Georgian working men's cottages. John Betjeman described it as 'the very heart of Leeds'

Where this record came from