The Yorkshire Union of Mechanics' Institutes was established in 1842 in Leeds, where it continued the work of the West Riding of Yorkshire Union of Mechanics' Institutes. The Union "supported and provided services to member institutes. It encouraged wide debate between institutes and disseminated opinions through its annual meetings. Its role included giving advice, particularly regarding revision of individual institute rules, suggesting readings for libraries, organising social events and exhibitions, supporting the cause of female education and providing newspapers. It was also committed to conducting negotiations with government, particularly highlighting the need for tax relief for institutes and identifying which ones had the potential to become schools of design and legitimate adult-learning institutions." It also offered formal qualifications arranged by the Society of Arts and later by the City and Guilds London Institute. In all, 633 mechanics' institutes were "members of the Yorkshire Union by the time the time the Technical Instruction Acts of 1889 and 1891 had been passed, when government funding became available for adult education. By then, many of the institutes both within the Yorkshire Union and across the country, particularly the larger ones, went on to become successful technical and art colleges".