Tag: William Gascoigne

Discover South Leeds history at Heritage Open Days 2026

This year the Heritage Open Days Festival, England’s largest festival of history and culture, has chosen the theme of Everyday Histories, and events in South Leeds offer insights into religion, industry, sport and science. Leeds Civic Trust has worked with organisations across the city to put on over 100 events

Belle Isle blue plaque honours early astronomer

Leeds Civic Trust unveiled their latest blue plaque in the city yesterday (23 March 2018) honouring a pioneering 17th century astronomer, who invented the telescopic sight and micrometer. William Gascoigne lived at New Hall, Middleton. The hall is long gone and what were fields have been covered in housing during

Middleton Life: Profile of scientist William Gascoigne

Leeds writer Mick McCann writes about one of South Leeds’ most important sons Middleton scientist William Gascoigne for the Middleton Life local history project, which encourages local people to become community history reporters. Mick wrote How Leeds Changed the World, among others… Gascoigne (1612–1644) was one of the founding fathers