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Dittisham

Dittisham

in the county of Devon

Pictures of Wakefield

in the county of West Yorkshire

About Wakefield

Wakefield was the capital of Yorkshire's woollen industry for more than 700 years, it was an important weaving and dying centre as far back as the 13th century, and it is this that brought it prosperity, for unlike many other Yorkshire towns, Wakefield did not become highly industrialised. Even in the middle of the 19th century, despite its mining, the town was best known as a centre for grain, and its Corn Exchange, built in 1838 had the reputation of being the finest building in the town, but even this did not save it from 1960's demolition.

The history of Wakefield is rich and varied, and well worth taking time to explore in the city museum where you can learn all about the development of the Wakefield since Roman times, its heritage and social history. Displays depict the life of the city throughout the Yorkshire's various stages of occupations, bringing you right up to present day times. The museum gives you a real "feel" for the warmth and flavour of what is one of Yorkshire's oldest cities.

Wakefield's skyline is dominated by the graceful spire of its 14th century cathedral, at 247 feet this is the tallest in Yorkshire. The cathedral-church of All Saints stands majestically on a green rise in a prominent city centre position where the old streets of Kirkgate, Westgate, Warrengate and Northgate meet. The church, completed in 1329 has a fascinating history, it is believed to have been erected on a spot where a Roman church once stood, was pulled down and rebuilt in the 15th century, shows alterations from the 19th century (its spire is an addition of 1861) and later alterations carried out during the recent past 20th century.

All Saint's is mainly Perpendicular, treasures include a rood screen of 1635, a font of 1660, choir stalls with fine misericords, and an 18th century pulpit and organ case. The church shows many fine monuments, one of the most notable dates from 1714, this is highly carved with figures. There is also a 14th century Chantry Chapel, one of only four in the country. This can be found topping a buttress on a bridge over the River Calder.

Historically, the old town settled on a hill above the lovely Calder Valley, with the river flowing beneath. It is perhaps this hill-side location which gives Wakefield its spectacular sky-line, Wakefield builders have always been fond of towers and turrets!

Today, the face of the city is greatly changed, the mills and clog image has long disappeared, the miners strike of the 1980's finally put an end to the prosperous coal-mining era. The old Victorian slum cottages have been pulled down and replaced with smart new housing estates with shops and good facilities.

The city centre offers traffic free zones for shopping, the wide High Street is made decorative with tubs of flowers and clipped trees; there is a lively indoor market and plenty of individual shops as well as all the usual "High Street" retail stores.

Pugneys Park offers a beautiful place to relax, this is purely a place for leisure and pleasure, you can part-take of a range of activities or simply enjoy the fresh air, autumnal colours and wildlife, including Canadian Geese.

Wakefield has no shortage of cultural attractions, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park arguably houses one of Europe's foremost outdoor collection of sculpture, Sandal Castle, which was to have been the Duke of York's stronghold in the North, the town centre Art Gallery and Museum, and the city is home to England's impressive National Coal Mining Museum.

Numerous sport centres offer activities for all ages. Sport mostly focus's on Rugby League and Racing from nearby Pontefract. There is a choice of theatre and cinema, plenty of pubs, particularly in Westgate, known for the famous "Westgate Run" a popular pub crawl that has its own website.

Recently Wakefield has revived what is known as the Wakefield Cycle, a collection of 14th century mystery plays. These are performed as part of the summertime festivities celebrating the religious festival of Corpus Christi, and have proved to be immensely popular.

From Wakefield there is easy access to Leeds, Bradford, Dewsbury and the Roman City of York.

Recommended towns & villages near Wakefield

Went Valley in Autumn 2008

Pontefract (181 Pictures) a Historic Market Town in the county of West Yorkshire

(8.1 miles, 13.1 km, direction E of Wakefield)

Pontefract has a ruined castle which has seen many tragedies, Richard II was murdered there in 1400, and later it was the scene of bitter, bloody battles between Roundheads and Royalists...

Leeds

Leeds (233 Pictures) in the county of West Yorkshire

(8.4 miles, 13.4 km, direction N of Wakefield)

In the middle ages Leeds was a wool centre and it flourished. The sheep on the Yorkshire moors providing the wool for the cottage craft industry of spinning and weaving. The.....

ALL HALLOWS CHURCH, ALMONDBURY, HUDDERSFIELD

Almondbury (6 Pictures) a Picturesque Village in the county of West Yorkshire

(10.7 miles, 17.2 km, direction W of Wakefield)

Almondbury is one of the oldest and prettiest of the villages dominating the edge of the Pennine moors...

St George's Square, Huddersfield, from the station car park.

Huddersfield (98 Pictures) in the county of West Yorkshire

(11.8 miles, 18.9 km, direction W of Wakefield)

Huddersfield is a lively and interesting town that offers a rich cultural experience...

Holmfirth, West Yorkshire

Holmfirth (40 Pictures) in the county of West Yorkshire

(13.9 miles, 22.3 km, direction SW of Wakefield)

This is a place that will forever be associated with the gentle, romantic comedy "Last of the Summer Wine" which has graced our TV screens for more than a quarter of a century...

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Nearby attractions..

Wakefield Cathedral, West Yorkshire. Viewed from Westgate

Wakefield Cathedral (2 Pictures)

(0.4 miles, 0.6 km)

This was formerly the parish church of All Saints, it only became a cathedral at the end of the 19th century. With its.....

Outline of Sandal

Sandal Castle (12 Pictures)

(1.8 miles, 2.8 km, direction S)

The crumbling, naked ruins of Sandal Castle are now owned by Wakefield council, and what an inspired choice of centre-piece they.....

A view of Newmillerdam taken near the memorial, West Yorkshire.

Newmillerdam Country Park (20 Pictures)

(3.6 miles, 5.9 km, direction S)

This attractive country park offers a rich and varied country landscape, it is dominated by a large lake ringed by numerous trees.....

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, West Yorkshire

Yorkshire Sculpture Park (35 Pictures)

(5.5 miles, 8.9 km, direction SW)

This is an exciting, fascinating tourist attraction that is both fun and thought provoking for all the family. It has fast.....

Pit head gear at Caphouse Colliery

National Coal Mining Museum (33 Pictures)

(5.6 miles, 9.0 km, direction SW)

..

Dewsbury Museum in Crow Nest Park, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.

Dewsbury Museum (1 Pictures)

(5.8 miles, 9.3 km, direction W)

..

Temple Newsam, Leeds. Lovely entrance

Temple Newsam (2 Pictures)

(7.3 miles, 11.8 km, direction N)

This is a stunning house set in magical grounds. It began life hundreds of years ago but the oldest part of the house we see.....


All attractions in Wakefield
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