Origins and History
The name Meanwood goes back to the 12th century, and is of Anglo-Saxon derivation: the Meene wude was the boundary wood of the Manor of Alreton, the woods to the east of Meanwood Beck. Dwellings and farms near the wood were known by a variety of names including Meanwoodside until 27 August 1847 when the parish of Meanwood was established and the woods became known Meanwood Woods.
A skirmish, between Royalist and Parliamentarian forces, took place in Meanwood, during the English Civil War. It is said that the "Beck ran red", with the blood of the fallen, hence, the place name "Stainbeck".
The Meanwood Valley was a place of industry as long ago as 1577 and continued up to the 19th century. The Meanwood Beck provided water and power for corn, flax, and paper mills, dye works and tanneries. There were numerous quarries.
In 1830 a turnpike road was established down the Meanwood Valley to Leeds. Public transport followed from 1850 and electric trams in 1890, meaning that it was practical for people to travel to work from greater distances, encouraging both industrial buildings and housing.
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