MEETinLEEDS showcases their #HiddenGems on social media

The team at MEETinLEEDS have been showcasing some of their venues in a new Hidden Gems series on their social media, highlighting the history and quirks of the buildings.

First up was Lyddon Hall, which dates back to 1886. With 2 meeting rooms and 145 bedrooms, Lyddon is the University’s oldest residence and was once a simple cottage. Its most famous resident was Sir Clifford Allbutt who lived there for nearly 10 years. Allbutt was a widely-consulted physician best known for inventing the clinical thermometer and revising ‘The System of Medicine’. A blue plaque denoting the building’s relevance is visible today.

Next up to be showcased was Devonshire Hall, made up of a traditional main hall, annexes with bedrooms and 6 dedicated meeting rooms. The hall was built in 1928 and is Grade II listed. The site was named after the 2nd chancellor of the University, the 9th Duke of Devonshire. Today Devonshire houses over 500 students each year and has onsite catering in an Oxbridge-style dining hall.

A little-known fact about Devonshire Hall is that they have their own chickens! These ex-battery hens are looked after by trained students every year. Last year some vegetable patches were also built on site by dedicated students.

Want to learn more about the unique and varied venues that MEETinLEEDS can offer? Keep your eyes open for more posts in the #HiddenGems series! Find us on Twitter at @meetinleeds, on Instagram at @meetinleeds or on LinkedIn by searching MEETinLEEDS.