Leeds owl
The owl is the symbol of Leeds, taken from the coat of arms of Sir John Savile, the town's first alderman in the seventeenth century, and found on buildings across the city. Owls also appear on the city's own coat of arms.
In practice
Look up in central Leeds and you will find owls on lamp posts, gates, the Civic Hall's golden-topped towers, the Town Hall and many Victorian buildings. The Leeds Owl Trail, a self-guided walk, links more than twenty owls around the city centre and is a popular introduction for newcomers and families. Local businesses, sports clubs and universities use the owl in their branding.
Why it matters to newcomers
Following the Owl Trail is one of the easiest ways to learn your way around the city centre and its main civic buildings. The owl is the Leeds equivalent of Manchester's bee: a civic badge people recognise with affection.
Related
- Loiner - the people the owl represents
- Corn Exchange - one of the buildings on the trail's route
- Kirkgate Market - another stop in the centre
Source: Leeds Owl Trail.