Named in honor of Ralph Thoresby, Leeds’ first historian, the Thoresby Society draws inspiration from his passion for documenting the city and its people. Thoresby’s seminal work, Ducatus Leodiensis (1715), was the first comprehensive study of the Leeds area, covering its geography, heritage, and historical records. His dedication to uncovering Leeds’ legacy continues to guide the Society’s mission, offering a wide scope of historical research that reflects his vision.
In his detailed account, historian Gordon Forster traces the origins and development of the Thoresby Society, founded in 1889 during a period of national enthusiasm for historical and antiquarian study. Set against the backdrop of Victorian civic pride, educational reform, and cultural revival, the Society was born from a public call by Colonel Edmund Wilson and quickly gathered support from Leeds’ leading intellectuals, clergy, professionals, and industrialists.
Joining the Thoresby Society offers a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the history and heritage of Leeds. Members enjoy exclusive access to our extensive archives, a complimentary annual publication, and a calendar of engaging talks, excursions, and events.