Join now Donate

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

A History of the Clinical Specialties in Leeds 1767-2018

Leeds Phil & Lit supported the publication of this volume which brings together the stories of development of 28 specialties across medicine and surgery in what is now Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Leeds Phil & Lit supported the publication of this volume which brings together the stories of development of 28 specialties across medicine and surgery in what is now Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. So many breakthroughs have occurred in Leeds since Leeds General Infirmary was founded in a house in Kirkgate back in the 18th century.

The book, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the NHS, also celebrates how healthcare in Leeds had grown from the treatment of a few hundred local subscriber patients each year to a service for over 1.6 million in the city region.

Other projects & stories you may be interested in...

‘Sense of line’ – Exhibition of drawings by Imtiaz Dharkar – 2019

Front Room Productions

Upcoming events

20 Jan 2022

Yorkshire – devolution or division?

A talk that explores the relationship between central and local government in the UK's largest county
16 Feb 2022

Does Colour Exist?

A vividly illustrated talk exploring our understanding of colour

Latest news

29 November 2021

Reith Lectures 2021

If you enjoyed our lectures on Artificial Intelligence you might want to listen to/read this year's Reith Lectures on this topical subject.

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.