The Leeds Astronomical Society is, as far as is known, the earliest founded local amateur society in the UK. The first attempt to found an astronomical society in Leeds was in early 1825, when a certain group of gentlemen, members of the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society, suggested that such a society be formed, and that the meetings of the Phil & Lit be held in premises (to be built) on Woodhouse Lane, which would provide good views to the south. Since the Phil & Lit had only in recent years opened its prestigious purpose-built Philosophical Hall on Park Row, the suggestion was presumably not well received! At any rate, no record of the putative Astronomical Society exists from this date.
There was a successful attempt to found a Leeds A.S. in early 1859. This followed on from the highly successful meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, held in Leeds in September 1858, in the newly opened Town Hall.
On 23rd June 1984 the Society celebrated its 125th anniversary with a one day Symposium at the University. In September of 1991 the Society meetings were moved to their present home at Centenary House in North Street, and in recent years the Society has hosted meetings of the BAA's observing sections. In 1976 the Leeds Astronomical Society organised the first annual Yorkshire Group of Astronomical Societies' 'Astromind' Competition. More recently the Society's full day Astromeet gathering has become a popular annual event on the amateur astronomy scene, and has gained a national reputation for being the finest event of its kind held in the north of England.
In July 1999, the Society held a celebration to mark the 140th Anniversary of its founding, and in the same year it acquired a 14-inch f6 dobsonian telescope for members’ use. The society currently has around 40 members
