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Grants

The Society makes grants both to individuals and to organisations in support of cultural and scientific activities which increase innovation, outreach and diversity in Leeds and its immediate area. It also supports local museums and galleries and publications relating to the city.

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About the Society

The Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society, founded in 1819, is a charity that promotes interest in science, literature and the arts – in the city of Leeds and beyond. We have meetings, lectures, entertainments, publications and visits.

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An image of the Brotherton Library. Taken looking down the staircase. The Brotherton Library, opened 1936.

Promoting science & the arts and supporting the city of Leeds since 1819

Join us and help shape our future

352 grants since 2002

£257,000 in grant awards since 2002

202 years of history

4th oldest Phil & Lit Society in England

We’ve been going over 200 years, but we’re up to date

The Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society is a charity whose purpose is ‘To promote the advancement of science, literature and the arts in the City of Leeds and elsewhere, and to hold, give or provide for meetings, lectures, classes, and entertainments of a scientific, literary or artistic nature.’

Welcome to the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society.

Latest news

1 April 2021

An intriguing connection between LPLS and the Red Planet…???

A Martian sundial might well sound as if it has come straight from some fantasy, but Leeds astronomer and former President of the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society Charles Whitmell did actually once build such a device.
30 January 2020

How Local Astronomer William Gascoigne Put Leeds at the Forefront of the Scientific Revolution – All Thanks to a Spider…

When William Gascoigne (1612-1644) died, whilst fighting for the army of King Charles I in the English Civil Wars, he seemed destined to be forgotten by history.
18 January 2020

Nesyamun, ‘The Leeds Mummy’ is heard….after a 3000 year silence

A team of researchers have been able to reconstruct Nesyamun's vocal tract and hear the sound that it might once have made.

Featured projects & stories

Left Bank Opera and Festival

A History of the Clinical Specialties in Leeds 1767-2018

Join us and help shape 
the future of the society

Become a member for:

  • Special member-only events and lectures
  • Free and discounted publications
  • A free copy of the Society’s Annual Review
  • Opportunity to join the Council
  • Annual membership £25 per year
  • Free membership for under 25s
Join now or learn more

Explore more

Grants

The Society makes grants both to individuals and to organisations in support of cultural and scientific activities which increase innovation, outreach and diversity in Leeds and its immediate area. It also supports local museums and galleries and publications relating to the city.

Events

Since 1819, the Phil & Lit has been inviting the people of Leeds to hear from knowledgeable and entertaining speakers. Many are leaders in their field of science, arts or current affairs. We also hold an annual Science Fair and organise occasional visits. Becoming a member means that you’ll receive invitations to all these activities. In future, we plan to have a mix of real and virtual events.