St. Leonard's dates from at least the early 13th century, the chancel being the earliest part, with the nave and tower dating from the 14th century.[1] The Wollaton Antiphonal was in use in the church from the 1460s. The church has a long connection with the Willoughby family of Wollaton Hall who were the patrons of the parish.[2] Monuments to the family, including a tomb chest and effigies to Henry Willoughby and his wives.[1]
Clock
In 1892 the old clock which was described as being of a great age and entirely worn out was replaced by a turret clock built by Potts of Leeds. This new clock had a double three-legged gravity escapement as invented by Lord Grimthorpe[3] The time was shown on cast iron skeleton glazed with white opal glass which was illuminated by gas lamps at night.
The clock mechanism was replaced in 1991 when the Potts clock was given to Leeds Industrial Museum.
Memorials
The church contains an "exceptional number" of memorials.[4] These include: