Address: 2 Garfield Terrace, York, YO26 4UX
Description
Above the doorway, carved into red stone, reads ‘Branch No. 3 opened by G. Longstaff April 17th 1907’.
Below, another stone carving states ‘After conversion for Flats this Building was Named Leeman Apartments by the Right Hon, the Lord Mayor Councillor Cyril A Waite on 7th April 1907’.
History
Leeman Apartments, originally a building owned by the Co-operative Society, has a notable history before its transformation into residential flats.
This building holds significance as one of the properties that feature a ghost sign related to the Co-operative Society in York.
After its conversion into flats, the building was named Leeman Apartments in a ceremony presided over by the Lord Mayor on 17th April 1907.
Leeman Apartments are named after George Leeman, a distinguished philanthropist from York.
Born in Stonegate in 1809, the son of a greengrocer, Leeman was a self-made man whose early education came from what one contemporary described as “the university of hard work”.
1885 – The unveiling of George Leeman’s statue
George Leeman was deeply involved in public life from an early age.
He became a Liberal councillor for Castlegate Ward in 1836, served as an Alderman for 28 years, was Clerk of the Peace from 1845, and Deputy Lieutenant for the North Riding.
His contributions to the city are commemorated with a statue in his honour outside York railway station, celebrating his vast impact on the community and beyond.
George Leeman’s statue where it currently stands outside the railway station
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