On 13 July 2026, Leeds will celebrate a remarkable milestone: 400 years since the city received its first Royal Charter from King Charles I. The Charter of 1626 marked an important moment in Leeds’ development, granting the town a greater degree of self-governance and laying foundations for the civic institutions that would help shape the city we know today.

To house these extra exhibits, a purpose built display storage facility was built in 2007 funded by Leeds City Council and a National Lotter