Discover Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Wakefield Cathedral: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wakefield_-_Cathedral.jpg
Author: Mike Kirby


Wakefield is a city and metropolitan borough in West Yorkshire, England. It covers 338.6 sq km (130.7 sq mi) and has a population of 326,000 people (2012 estimate). The administrative center is at Wakefield, which other towns within the metropolitan borough include Normanton, Pontefract, Featherstone, Castleford and Knottingley.

Wakefield is located on the River Calder, on the eastern edge of the Pennines. The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidence by recovery of flint and stone tools in the area. The earliest inhabitants were believed to the the Brigantes, a Celtic tribe.

Ancient Romans occupied the Wakefield area in AD 43. After the departure of the Romans, the area was settled by the Angles in the 5th century and by Vikings after AD 867. By the 11th century, there was a permanent settlement here. The settlement suffered retaliation by William the Conqueror in 1069 for resisting Norman rule.

Wakefield Bridge and Chantry Chapel, Wakefield: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wakefield_Bridge_and_the_Chantry_Chapel_-_geograph.org.uk_-_281864.jpg
Author: RichTea


By the 15th century, Wakefield has grown into an inland port. When the Industrial Revolution arrived in the 19th century, Wakefield had prospered from its trade in wool, corn and tanning. A number of navigation canals were built during this period, as the town became a trading hub for produce from the surrounding region.

The industries that supported Wakefield's economy sustained themselves to the turn of the 20th century, and from then on began a gradual decline. By the mid 1970s, many of the city's textile factories were closing. The start of the new millennium brought redevelopment to Wakefield. Among the projects included Trinity Walk, a retail and commercial development to the northeast of the city center.

Wakefield Bridge and Chantry Chapel, Wakefield: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Heath_Hall,_Wakefield_-_geograph.org.uk_-_356395.jpg
Author: Ian Russell

Visiting Wakefield

Take the M1 motorway and turn off at Junction 40. Head east on A638 to reach Wakefield.

Places of Interest in Wakefield

Wakefield is on the Map of cities in England

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