The First White Cloth Hall, Kirkgate, Leeds, West Yorkshire. Archaeological Building Survey Report

In the summer of 1997 Lancaster University Archaeological Unit (LUAU) undertook a
programme of archaeological survey at the First White Cloth Hall, Leeds (SE 335306)
commissioned by Speciality Shops plc. The archaeological survey programme of works
incorporated a basic documentary study, a photographic survey, a watching brief during the
removal of wall finishes, an instrument survey, and fabric analysis of the elevations
surrounding the historic courtyard.
The building was in an unstable condition at the time of survey and the recording programme
was in part constrained by health and safety requirements. Where possible a reflectorless
instrument was used to record elements of plans and elevations where there was no safe
access. Although the survey was able to record the ground, first and cellar floor plans, the
second floor was too unsafe to enable access and could not therefore be surveyed. Part of the
former White Cloth Hall is still in use as an amusement arcade ('Las Vegas'), and
consequently the recording programme was limited in these areas.