Brotherton Circle

The Brotherton Circle recognises the special commitment made by those who have pledged a gift to the University in their will.

It’s named after one of the University’s most significant benefactors, Lord Brotherton of Wakefield.

We invite everyone who has included a gift to Leeds in their will to join the Brotherton Circle. As a member, you’ll receive invitations to special events, an exclusive Brotherton Circle lapel pin, and an annual newsletter showing how legacy gifts are benefiting the University.

Brotherton Circle event 2024

In August 2024, members of the Brotherton Circle returned to campus for guided tours of the Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour.  They heard about our long history in textiles and visited labs working at the cutting edge of the field. 

Watch a slideshow of images from this memorable day.

Who was Lord Brotherton?

Lord Brotherton’s remarkable philanthropy helped to create one of the UK’s great academic libraries at the University of Leeds, and means we can continue to expand our collections, even today.

As well as funding the building of the Brotherton Library during his lifetime, Lord Brotherton bequeathed his own magnificent collection of rare books and manuscripts to the University in his will, providing the basis for the Brotherton Collection’s English literary section.

Lord Brotherton and his family also made bequests to create an endowment fund to support the growth of the Brotherton Collection. Thanks to their foresight and generosity, the Collection has more than doubled in size and continues to grow, and our Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery showcases unique items from this remarkable legacy.

Join the Brotherton Circle

If you would like to join the Brotherton Circle, please email Jessica Mifsud-Bonnici, Senior Development Officer (Legacies), at give@leeds.ac.uk. You can also contact us by post: Advancement Team, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT.