The Leeds Astronomical Society is as far as is known the earliest founded amateur society in the UK. It was officially founded in 1859 by members of the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society-one member, William Trant was only fifteen years old and legend has it, was one of the prime movers in the enterprise.

Due to the several members passing away and William Trant moving to Canada, the society was unactive for several years, thus sparking a re-birth on December 5th 1892. From 1893-1922 they published their annual journal and transactions. Cecil Duncombe Observatory was also built due to a collaboration with Leeds University in 1906. Due to the war, all meetings from 1940-1946 were suspended until the 23rd November 1946 held by the president of the society at the time, Dr.J.W.Belton.

In 1959 a provincial meeting with the BAA (British Astronomical Association) was held for the 100th anniversary year. This publication is to celebrate the society and its participants due to it being the societies 155th anniversary.