George Leeman's Deeds and Papers

This collection comprises various papers and deeds collected by and connected with George Leeman including those relating to property and land, legal and financial matters as well as family notices and records.

George Leeman was born in 1809, the son of a greengrocer. He married twice - in 1835 and 1863, and had at least six children.

His son Joseph Leeman became a lawyer and Member of Parliament for York like his father.

George Leeman is most well known for his connection to the railways and his opposition of George Hudson, the 'Railway King'. In 1849 he was Chairman of York, Newcastle, and Berwick Railway. He promoted mergers which led to the creation of North Eastern Rail (N.E.R.) in 1854, and from 1874-1880 he served as Chairman of N.E.R.

He was also a successful lawyer and politician. In 1845 he was Clerk of the Peace for the East Riding. He served as Lord Mayor of York three times - in 1853-1854, 1860-1861, and 1870-1871. He was also the Liberal Member of Parliament for York twice - from 1865-1868 and from 1871-1880.

Leeman died in Scarborough in 1882.

Material is available subject to the usual terms and conditions of access to Archives and Local History collections.

More detailed finding aids for this collection can be found online by searching the Explore website ( www.exploreyork.org.uk)

Compiled by Sarah Tester, Community Collections and Outreach Archivist, December 2014.

Images are supplied for private research only at the Archivist's discretion. Please note that material may be unsuitable for copying on conservation grounds. Researchers who wish to publish material must seek copyright permission from the copyright owner.