Wakefield Historical Society UK
@wfdhistsoc.bsky.social
Our Society aims to promote knowledge of the past and preservation of local heritage in Wakefield and beyond
Information about our next meeting:
'New Research about the Battle of Wakefield' talk by Paul Dawson
Wed. 10 December, 7pm, West Yorkshire History Centre, Kirkgate WF1 1JG
Find out more:
www.wakefieldhistoricalsociety.org.uk/whs-events/l...
'New Research about the Battle of Wakefield' talk by Paul Dawson
Wed. 10 December, 7pm, West Yorkshire History Centre, Kirkgate WF1 1JG
Find out more:
www.wakefieldhistoricalsociety.org.uk/whs-events/l...
Lecture Programme - Wakefield Historical Society
Promoting knowledge of the area's past
www.wakefieldhistoricalsociety.org.uk
December 2, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Information about our next meeting:
'New Research about the Battle of Wakefield' talk by Paul Dawson
Wed. 10 December, 7pm, West Yorkshire History Centre, Kirkgate WF1 1JG
Find out more:
www.wakefieldhistoricalsociety.org.uk/whs-events/l...
'New Research about the Battle of Wakefield' talk by Paul Dawson
Wed. 10 December, 7pm, West Yorkshire History Centre, Kirkgate WF1 1JG
Find out more:
www.wakefieldhistoricalsociety.org.uk/whs-events/l...
Reposted by Wakefield Historical Society UK
A blue plaque for the former boardroom of the Aire & Calder Navigation at Navigation Yard near to Chantry Chapel of St. Mary the Virgin, Wakefield who moved to Leeds in 1850. Built in the early 19th century in stone with a hipped slate roof with an entrance in Tuscan columns /1
November 28, 2025 at 5:33 PM
A blue plaque for the former boardroom of the Aire & Calder Navigation at Navigation Yard near to Chantry Chapel of St. Mary the Virgin, Wakefield who moved to Leeds in 1850. Built in the early 19th century in stone with a hipped slate roof with an entrance in Tuscan columns /1
Reposted by Wakefield Historical Society UK
A recording of a recent YVBSG talk by Philip Sands on the history of Woodsome Hall near Huddersfield can now be viewed at youtu.be/2PGeqLuA0jg?.... Philip takes us on a virtual tour of the building which has a complicated and fascinating history and has been dendro-dated to 1462.
November 24, 2025 at 1:22 PM
A recording of a recent YVBSG talk by Philip Sands on the history of Woodsome Hall near Huddersfield can now be viewed at youtu.be/2PGeqLuA0jg?.... Philip takes us on a virtual tour of the building which has a complicated and fascinating history and has been dendro-dated to 1462.
Reposted by Wakefield Historical Society UK
I've posted these before around remembrance time before but they are well worth a view at any time of year. Part of the IWM's Women's Work in the War (1914-18) collection, these photograph show female workers at Craddocks Wire Rope Factory in Wakefield. The firm
November 22, 2025 at 8:41 AM
I've posted these before around remembrance time before but they are well worth a view at any time of year. Part of the IWM's Women's Work in the War (1914-18) collection, these photograph show female workers at Craddocks Wire Rope Factory in Wakefield. The firm
Reposted by Wakefield Historical Society UK
Visited St. Mary the Virgin Chantry Chapel, Wakefield with @deadsleuth.com yesterday. It was full of people inside, so I didn't take any interior photos. I bought a new book written by Wakefield historian, Kate Taylor.
It is the surviving chantry of 4 in Wakefield & built /1
It is the surviving chantry of 4 in Wakefield & built /1
November 23, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Visited St. Mary the Virgin Chantry Chapel, Wakefield with @deadsleuth.com yesterday. It was full of people inside, so I didn't take any interior photos. I bought a new book written by Wakefield historian, Kate Taylor.
It is the surviving chantry of 4 in Wakefield & built /1
It is the surviving chantry of 4 in Wakefield & built /1
So interesting at our meeting last night to learn from Tegwen Roberts the many projects involved in the Heritage Framework across the Wakefield district: Our Heritage, Our Stories.
November 13, 2025 at 7:12 AM
So interesting at our meeting last night to learn from Tegwen Roberts the many projects involved in the Heritage Framework across the Wakefield district: Our Heritage, Our Stories.
Looking forward to tonight's update on the Wakefield Heritage Framework by @industrialteg.bsky.social
Next Wednesday 12 November: WHS meeting: ‘Wakefield Heritage Framework – progress report’ by Tegwen Roberts, WMDC Heritage Development Manager.
West Yorkshire History Centre, Kirkgate Wakefield, WF1 1JG. starting at 7pm. Visitors are welcome for a fee of £2.
www.wakefieldhistoricalsociety.org.uk
West Yorkshire History Centre, Kirkgate Wakefield, WF1 1JG. starting at 7pm. Visitors are welcome for a fee of £2.
www.wakefieldhistoricalsociety.org.uk
Wakefield Historical Society - Wakefield Historical Society
Promoting knowledge of the area's past
www.wakefieldhistoricalsociety.org.uk
November 12, 2025 at 9:32 AM
Looking forward to tonight's update on the Wakefield Heritage Framework by @industrialteg.bsky.social
Reposted by Wakefield Historical Society UK
Reposted by Wakefield Historical Society UK
A significant study that includes new information on the "battle" of Wakefield. A good area for discussion and debate. @wfdhistsoc.bsky.social @wakefieldmuseums.bsky.social @richardiiisociety.bsky.social
November 8, 2025 at 4:49 PM
A significant study that includes new information on the "battle" of Wakefield. A good area for discussion and debate. @wfdhistsoc.bsky.social @wakefieldmuseums.bsky.social @richardiiisociety.bsky.social
Next Wednesday 12 November: WHS meeting: ‘Wakefield Heritage Framework – progress report’ by Tegwen Roberts, WMDC Heritage Development Manager.
West Yorkshire History Centre, Kirkgate Wakefield, WF1 1JG. starting at 7pm. Visitors are welcome for a fee of £2.
www.wakefieldhistoricalsociety.org.uk
West Yorkshire History Centre, Kirkgate Wakefield, WF1 1JG. starting at 7pm. Visitors are welcome for a fee of £2.
www.wakefieldhistoricalsociety.org.uk
Wakefield Historical Society - Wakefield Historical Society
Promoting knowledge of the area's past
www.wakefieldhistoricalsociety.org.uk
November 7, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Next Wednesday 12 November: WHS meeting: ‘Wakefield Heritage Framework – progress report’ by Tegwen Roberts, WMDC Heritage Development Manager.
West Yorkshire History Centre, Kirkgate Wakefield, WF1 1JG. starting at 7pm. Visitors are welcome for a fee of £2.
www.wakefieldhistoricalsociety.org.uk
West Yorkshire History Centre, Kirkgate Wakefield, WF1 1JG. starting at 7pm. Visitors are welcome for a fee of £2.
www.wakefieldhistoricalsociety.org.uk
Reposted by Wakefield Historical Society UK
in 1849 when the authorities tried to ban the bonfire that year. The resulting serious and violent riots and were widely reported throughout the country. The report is from the 'Leeds Intelligencer' You will need to enlarge the image 2/2 @wfdhistsoc.bsky.social @wakefieldmuseums.bsky.social
November 5, 2025 at 6:04 PM
in 1849 when the authorities tried to ban the bonfire that year. The resulting serious and violent riots and were widely reported throughout the country. The report is from the 'Leeds Intelligencer' You will need to enlarge the image 2/2 @wfdhistsoc.bsky.social @wakefieldmuseums.bsky.social
Reposted by Wakefield Historical Society UK
Protests and demonstrations are not a new phenomenon and were a common part of Victorian and earlier life. Bonfire night, because of its origins was often a focal point for protest with Guy Fawkes seen as a rebel with right on his side. Such was the case in Wakefield 1/2
November 5, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Protests and demonstrations are not a new phenomenon and were a common part of Victorian and earlier life. Bonfire night, because of its origins was often a focal point for protest with Guy Fawkes seen as a rebel with right on his side. Such was the case in Wakefield 1/2
Reposted by Wakefield Historical Society UK
A tablet paying tribute to the Kilby family at St. John the Baptist church, St. John's, Wakefield. Thomas Kilby, son of John Kilby of York was the vicar at this church for 43 years & produced a number of topographical paintings of scenes around Wakefield during the early to mid 19th century.
November 5, 2025 at 10:02 PM
A tablet paying tribute to the Kilby family at St. John the Baptist church, St. John's, Wakefield. Thomas Kilby, son of John Kilby of York was the vicar at this church for 43 years & produced a number of topographical paintings of scenes around Wakefield during the early to mid 19th century.
An excellent but sobering talk this morning at Wakefield and district family history society by Andy Tilby-Baxter about the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
November 1, 2025 at 12:01 PM
An excellent but sobering talk this morning at Wakefield and district family history society by Andy Tilby-Baxter about the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
AgeUK oral history project
Earlier this year we were asked to support an oral history project which AgeUK were conducting. They are holding a meeting on Thursday 6th November in Normanton.
Find out more:
Earlier this year we were asked to support an oral history project which AgeUK were conducting. They are holding a meeting on Thursday 6th November in Normanton.
Find out more:
October 31, 2025 at 12:40 PM
AgeUK oral history project
Earlier this year we were asked to support an oral history project which AgeUK were conducting. They are holding a meeting on Thursday 6th November in Normanton.
Find out more:
Earlier this year we were asked to support an oral history project which AgeUK were conducting. They are holding a meeting on Thursday 6th November in Normanton.
Find out more:
Who could resist a Whit Sunday in 19th century Wakefield? 🤺
Fantastic list of attractions at a Wakefield fete in 1894.
Go for the lemon and sheep cutting, stay for the old ladies and fish.
Go for the lemon and sheep cutting, stay for the old ladies and fish.
October 30, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Who could resist a Whit Sunday in 19th century Wakefield? 🤺
Rather bewildered by this:
Baroness Fiona Twycross has taken over the brief for museums and cultural property, as well as heritage, libraries and the National Archives, becoming Minister for Museums, Heritage and Gambling.
Is Gambling now a 'cultural property'?
Baroness Fiona Twycross has taken over the brief for museums and cultural property, as well as heritage, libraries and the National Archives, becoming Minister for Museums, Heritage and Gambling.
Is Gambling now a 'cultural property'?
October 24, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Rather bewildered by this:
Baroness Fiona Twycross has taken over the brief for museums and cultural property, as well as heritage, libraries and the National Archives, becoming Minister for Museums, Heritage and Gambling.
Is Gambling now a 'cultural property'?
Baroness Fiona Twycross has taken over the brief for museums and cultural property, as well as heritage, libraries and the National Archives, becoming Minister for Museums, Heritage and Gambling.
Is Gambling now a 'cultural property'?
Reposted by Wakefield Historical Society UK
Wakefield Museum has increased in size by 10%... our new A World of Good gallery is now open! 🌍
In the 1800s Charles Waterton created the world’s first nature park at his home near Wakefield.
Artist Andy Singleton has brought it back to life with beautiful paper sculptures.
Info: bit.ly/NewAWOG
In the 1800s Charles Waterton created the world’s first nature park at his home near Wakefield.
Artist Andy Singleton has brought it back to life with beautiful paper sculptures.
Info: bit.ly/NewAWOG
October 22, 2025 at 11:03 AM
Wakefield Museum has increased in size by 10%... our new A World of Good gallery is now open! 🌍
In the 1800s Charles Waterton created the world’s first nature park at his home near Wakefield.
Artist Andy Singleton has brought it back to life with beautiful paper sculptures.
Info: bit.ly/NewAWOG
In the 1800s Charles Waterton created the world’s first nature park at his home near Wakefield.
Artist Andy Singleton has brought it back to life with beautiful paper sculptures.
Info: bit.ly/NewAWOG
Can anyone help @icysedgwick.bsky.social ?
I'm doing a talk about Bonfire Night folklore on 3 November so I'm curious... What traditions do you follow, if any, for the day? If you don't follow them now, what did you do to mark the day when you did 'celebrate'?
October 22, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Can anyone help @icysedgwick.bsky.social ?
Members of Wakefield Historical Society are conducting research on the artworks held by Wakefield MDC. Some interesting stories are emerging, and we met to share our research on 20 October. Find out more:
www.wakefieldhistoricalsociety.org.uk/meeting-of-t...
www.wakefieldhistoricalsociety.org.uk/meeting-of-t...
Meeting of the Civic Art Project Group - Wakefield Historical Society
The latest meeting of the Civic Art Research Group took place at the Gissing House yesterday and we were joined by Tegwen Roberts, WMDC Heritage Development Manager, and her colleagues, John Whitaker ...
www.wakefieldhistoricalsociety.org.uk
October 22, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Members of Wakefield Historical Society are conducting research on the artworks held by Wakefield MDC. Some interesting stories are emerging, and we met to share our research on 20 October. Find out more:
www.wakefieldhistoricalsociety.org.uk/meeting-of-t...
www.wakefieldhistoricalsociety.org.uk/meeting-of-t...
with blazing eyes, its howl said to echo through the rocks before tragedy strikes. The Padfoot of Wakefield roams the town’s lanes and closes sometimes seen as a great black dog, sometimes a donkey with burning eyes. It pads silently beside
October 22, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Much like the annual #BannersHeldHigh festival here in Wakefield. Also remembering the talk we had from the lovely people at @ncmme.bsky.social who hold a collection of banners #Wakefield #WorkingClassHistory
Durham Miners' Gala: how mining banners helped shape communities past and present. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
How mining banners helped shape communities past and present
The colourful banners can be seen around north-east England, but why and what do they represent?
www.bbc.co.uk
October 12, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Much like the annual #BannersHeldHigh festival here in Wakefield. Also remembering the talk we had from the lovely people at @ncmme.bsky.social who hold a collection of banners #Wakefield #WorkingClassHistory
Reposted by Wakefield Historical Society UK
🏰 Come along to view our amazing model of Sandal Castle and listen to this fascinating talk. You will learn about the use and layout of the Castle from the ruins left behind!
- 20 October
- starts 5:45pm
- Wakefield Library
Booking essential, visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk/wakefield-li...
- 20 October
- starts 5:45pm
- Wakefield Library
Booking essential, visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk/wakefield-li...
October 9, 2025 at 5:00 PM
🏰 Come along to view our amazing model of Sandal Castle and listen to this fascinating talk. You will learn about the use and layout of the Castle from the ruins left behind!
- 20 October
- starts 5:45pm
- Wakefield Library
Booking essential, visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk/wakefield-li...
- 20 October
- starts 5:45pm
- Wakefield Library
Booking essential, visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk/wakefield-li...
Reposted by Wakefield Historical Society UK
Workers at Burton Menswear, Leeds. The Hudson Road factory became the world's biggest clothing factory, employing 10,000 and producing more than 30,000 suits a week (West Yorkshire Archive).
October 9, 2025 at 7:26 AM
Workers at Burton Menswear, Leeds. The Hudson Road factory became the world's biggest clothing factory, employing 10,000 and producing more than 30,000 suits a week (West Yorkshire Archive).
Anthony Hewitson, proprietor of the Wakefield and West Riding Herald.
Talk on 8 October.
Dr Andrew Hobbs lecture on Anthony Hewitson (1836-1912) was an eye-opener to the life of a Wakefield newspaper proprietor. Find out more: www.wakefieldhistoricalsociety.org.uk/whs-events/p...
Talk on 8 October.
Dr Andrew Hobbs lecture on Anthony Hewitson (1836-1912) was an eye-opener to the life of a Wakefield newspaper proprietor. Find out more: www.wakefieldhistoricalsociety.org.uk/whs-events/p...
The Diaries of Anthony Hewitson, Provincial Journalist, Volume 1: 1865–1887
Anthony Hewitson was a typical Victorian journalist, working in one of the largest sectors of the periodical press, provincial newspapers. His diaries, written between 1862 and 1912, lift the veil of ...
www.openbookpublishers.com
October 9, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Anthony Hewitson, proprietor of the Wakefield and West Riding Herald.
Talk on 8 October.
Dr Andrew Hobbs lecture on Anthony Hewitson (1836-1912) was an eye-opener to the life of a Wakefield newspaper proprietor. Find out more: www.wakefieldhistoricalsociety.org.uk/whs-events/p...
Talk on 8 October.
Dr Andrew Hobbs lecture on Anthony Hewitson (1836-1912) was an eye-opener to the life of a Wakefield newspaper proprietor. Find out more: www.wakefieldhistoricalsociety.org.uk/whs-events/p...