100 Years of Collecting - Online Exhibition

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We asked our friends at Wakefield Civic Society and Wakefield Historical Society to pick a selection of the 100 Years of Collecting objects from our storeroom. Their members have picked the interesting mix of objects pictured here. These are now on display in the 100 Years of Collecting atrium case at Wakefield One. Click the objects for more information.

Wakefield One atrium case objects

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Made in: the 2010s Collected in: 2019 Associated place: Wakefield Steven Ogilvie wore this wig as his fabulous drag queen persona, Madam Connie, at performances in Wakefield. Steven donated the wig to the museum in 2019 along with other outfits after Madam Connie hung her up stilettos for the last time. Steven also recorded an oral history about his experiences performing as Connie. He says performing increased his confidence and helped him through difficult times. In Museum Store

Madam Connie's Wig

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Sandal Castle History

Made in: between 1485 and 1600 Collected in: 1983 Associated place: Sandal / Sandal Castle This beautiful gold ring was found by archaeologists at Sandal Castle during excavations in the 1960s. It is about 500 years old. It is called a 'love ring' because it has a lovers’ promise on it. The wording on this one says ‘tout le vos’tre’, which means ‘I am all yours’ in medieval French (the language of the upper classes in the Middle Ages). On display in Wakefield Stories at Wakefield Museum

Sandal Castle Ring

Roman Castleford

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Made in: Roman Period Collected in: 1990s Associated place: Castleford A leather ancient Roman sandal found in excavations at Castleford. Castleford was known as 'Lagentium' to the Romans. Leather items like this from the ancient Roman period are very rare as they would usually have rotted away over time. These military sandals found in Castleford are some of the best preserved ones that have ever been excavated. They are regularly copied by Roman army re-enactors, who refer to the style of sandal as 'Castlefords'. On display in Castleford Museum

Roman sandal

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Made in: 17th Century - English Civil Wars Collected in: 2012 Associated place: Ackworth This significant hoard is the only one found in Wakefield District, and was found in a garden in Ackworth. It is made up of almost 600 gold and silver coins and one gold ring. It was buried amidst the chaos of the Enlish Civil Wars, during the siege of Pontefract Castle. It probably belonged a Royalist supporter, and was buried to prevent it from being taken by the Parliamentary troops billeted in Ackworth. On display in Pontefract Stories at Pontefract Museum

Ackworth Hoard

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Made in: Iron Age Collected in: 2005 Associated place: Ferry Fryston The chariot was found when the A1 road at Ferrybridge was being upgraded in 2003-2006. It had been used for a burial, and a man's body had been carefully buried inside the chariot. Radiocarbon dating suggests he was buried around 200 BC. Iron Age chariot burials are rare, and only 21 have been found in Britain so far. This one is especially unusual as it was buried whole, not dismantled, which has taught us a lot about how chariots were made and used. On display in Castleford Museum

Ferry Fryston Chariot

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Made in: 1912 Associated place: Wakefield A model of Green's Economiser. The Economiser was a revolutionary new boiler, invented and patented in Wakefield in 1845 by Edward Green. It captured the waste heat generated by boilers to be reused and therefore saved fuel, increased efficiency and cut costs. Edward Green was born in Wakefield in 1799. He was apprenticed as a millwright aged 14 and became an entrepreneur, having established a business by 1821. Green's grew into a well-known international company by the 20th Century. A new factory was opened by King George V during a visit to Wakefield in 1912. The King viewed the model during the visit. Green's is still based near to its original site today. On loan to Green's Economisers

Green's Economiser Model

New Library and Museum Project

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Made in: 1935 Collected in: 1968 Associated place: Wakefield A welcome and reassuring sight on the streets of Wakefield. The City of Wakefield’s Fire Brigade raced to the rescue in their Dennis Big Four during difficult times. The engine was the first responder during the Second World War. It was used to recruit Air raid Wardens and called out to deal with German bombings in the city. Dennis' service ran from 1935 to 1954. After its service, it moved to Storthes Hall Hospital in Kirkburton, near Huddesfield. Wakefield Museum acquired ‘Dennis’ in 1968. With no venues big enough to display it, the engine spent most of the last forty years on loan. With the New Library and Museum opening in the former BHS building in Wakefield, Dennis will finally have a home big enough for display. A recent restoration project returned him to his former glory.

Dennis, Big Four Fire Engine

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Made in: 1920s Collected in: 2023 Associated place: Castleford Sketch by Albert Wainwright (1898 - 1943), an influential artist from Castleford. Shows two seated schoolboys by the riverbank, with further studies of male figures reclining on one another. Wainwright produced a large and varied body of work. This included ceramics, theatrical design and book illustrations, as well as watercolours and drawings. This sketch is significant in its depiction of gay love at a time when homosexuality was still illegal in Britain.

Albert Wainwright Sketch

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Made in: 1640s Collected in: 1965 Associated place: Pontefract This is a large oil painting of Pontefract Castle as it was in about 1640. It was painted by the Flemish landscape painter Alexander Keirincx, at the request of Charles I. It shows what a grand site it was, and much larger than the standing remains today might suggest. On display in Pontefract Stories at Pontefract Museum - with thanks to The Hepworth Wakefield

Pontefract Castle Painting

Liquorice Stamp

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Made in: 1870s Collected in: 1978 Associated place: Pontefract On the 15 August 1872, the first ever secret ballot in Britain to elect an MP was held in Pontefract. This was the first time that people had voted in secret by placing an ‘X’ on a ballot paper next to the name of their choice. Before this, people voted openly and could be easily pressured and bullied. The ballot box was sealed with a liquorice stamp made from Frank Dunhill's factory to ensure it wasn't tampered with. At this time, only men over the age of 21 who owned property could vote. Women couldn't vote until 1928, and the voting age was lowered to 18 only in 1969. On display in Pontefract Stories at Pontefract Museum

Ballot Box

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Notice of the Riot Act

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Made in: 1893 Collected in: 1992 Associated place: Featherstone In 1893 there was widespread unrest about miners’ pay and working conditions. It tragically came to a head on 7 September at Ackton Hall Colliery in Featherstone. The price of coal had fallen and mine owners all over the country had stockpiled supplies and stopped production. The miners were locked out without any job security or benefits. By late afternoon thousands had gathered at the colliery gates, workers, onlookers and flying pickets from other collieries. The army was brought in to back up the police. The words on this poster, the Riot Act, was read out to the crowd. After warning shots failed to disperse the demonstrators, the troops fired into the crowd killing James Gibbs and James Arthur Duggan and wounding several others.

Notice of the Riot Act

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Made in: 19th Century Collected in: 2000 Associated place: Pontefract This was the pub sign for the Golden Lion, Sessions House Yard, in Pontefract. The pub dated back to 1848 and closed in 2011. Although the building is now an office the windows are still marked 'Tap Room' and 'Out Sales'. This fantastic gilded lion hung outside, helping customers find the pub. On display in Pontefract Stories at Pontefract Museum

Golden Lion Pub Sign

Jack Hulme Photo Collection

Caption by Wakefield Civic Society

Made in: 1940s Collected in: 1998 Associated place: Fryston This photo of a Fryston boy jumping over a makeshift hurdle of bricks and wood was taken by Jack Hulme in the 1940s. Hulme was from Fryston, and was a colliery worker, hairdresser and enthusiastic amateur photographer. His pictures have become renowned for their depiction of everyday life in a Yorkshire pit village. On display in the 100 Years of Collecting atrium case at Wakefield One

Photo of boy jumping

Made in: 1990s Collected in: 2023 Associated place: Wakefield 'Worms' is a series of artillery tactical video games developed by Wakefield and Ossett-based company Team17. The first Worms game was released in 1995 for the Commodore Amiga. It ensured that Wakefield was at the forefront of innovative and smart digital entertainment. The games are noted for their cartoony animation and humour. The most recent 'Worms' game was released in 2020. Today Team 17’s games are widely available on both consoles and smartphones. In Museum Store

'Worms' Video Game

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Made in: 15th Century Collected in: 1959 Associated place: Sandal (Castle) This iron spearhead dates to the time of the Battle of Wakefield in 1460. The Battle was a major clash in the Wars of the Roses. Richard, Duke of York, leader of the Yorkist faction and his eldest son, Edmund, Earl of Rutland, were both killed along with hundreds or even thousands of their supporters. It is this event that likely lead to the rhyme 'Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain', to remember the order of colours in a rainbow. This spearhead was found in the Portobello estate, the site of the battle, and was probably used by an infantryman at the battle. On display in Wakefield Stories at Wakefield Museum

Iron Spearhead

Made in: 17th Century Collected in: 1960 Associated place: Wakefield The bullring from the Bull Ring! The Bull Ring in Wakefield gets its name from a popular and bloody form of entertainment. The people of Medieval Wakefield enjoyed bull baiting at events and festivals from around the 1200s. This iron ring tethered a bull to a 15-foot-long chain in an arena marked out by stones. Savage bulldogs attacked the bull for the enjoyment of the crowd. If it died, its flesh was by law given to the poor. Bull baiting became illegal in 1835.

Bull Ring

Story

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Made in: Iron Age Collected in: 1982 Associated place: Wakefield This carved stone head was originally made over 2,000 years ago in the Iron Age. It was found much later in a local rockery, in the 1970s. It may have represented a god at an important local shrine. On display in Wakefield Stories at Wakefield Museum

Celtic Head

Caption by Wakefield Civic Society

Made in: 1938 Collected in: 1984 Associated place: Wakefield Skilled designers made this plaster panel as a model to decorate the brand new Sun Lane swimming baths in Wakefield. It features a lion’s head, fish and the fleur-de-lis, Wakefield’s iconic symbol. In the 1800s, public baths played a vital role in providing clean water and bathing spaces for residents who had no bathrooms at home. The role of public baths changed from hygiene and washing to leisure and fitness in the 1900s. On display in the 100 Years of Collecting atrium case at Wakefield One

Sun Lane Baths Plaque

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Made in: 1960s Collected in: 1990 Associated place: Wakefield A copy of 'This Sporting Life' by Wakefield author David Storey. It tells the story of a Wakefield rugby league player, whose romantic life is not as successful as his sporting one. Storey also wrote the screenplay for a movie version which filmed scenes at Trinity’s ground. The 1960s was a spectacular decade for Trinity. Under head coach Ken Traill, Trinity won the Championship twice, and the Challenge Cup and Yorkshire Cup three times. On display in Wakefield Stories at Wakefield Museum

'This Sporting Life'

Made in: c.1940s Collected in: 1992 Associated place: Featherstone A 'Mr Punch' hand puppet, part of a set of Punch and Judy puppets. This Punch and Judy set belonged to Albert Massey from Featherstone. Albert was a surface worker with the coal board. In his spare time, he performed his puppet show in Pontefract Park and other local venues. People have been enjoying community entertainment like Albert's show for hundreds of years. These puppets are particularly special because we know about the person who used them.

Mr Punch Puppet

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Made in: 1842 Collected in: 1997 Associated place: Ackworth This bonnet belonged to Mariabella Howard from Ackworth. She wore it at her 1842 wedding to John Eliot Hodgkin. The bride and groom were both Quakers. They needed special permission for the violets on the bonnet as these were not typical of Quaker taste at the time.

Wedding Bonnet

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Made in: 1945 Collected in: 1999 Associated place: Upton This bridesmaid's dress was made out of a pair of old net curatins. It is a touching example of 'make do and mend' in a wartime economy. During the shortages of the Second World War, people learned to give old materials new lives. Three-year-old bridesmaid Penny wore the dress at a wedding in Upton in 1945. Over 50 years later, in 1999, she kindly donated it to our collection. It tells us a story of wartime resourcefulness as well as representing love and marriage. On display in Wakefield Stories at Wakefield Museum

Bridesmaid's Dress

Made in: 1974 Collected in: 2000 Associated place: Featherstone This rugby rosette commemorates Featherstone Rovers reaching the final of the Rugby League Challenge Cup in 1974. Fans headed to Wembley to see their team take on Warrington. They would lose out on the title that year - but Featherstone have lifted the famous trophy three times. Featherstone Rovers are a force within the rugby league heartlands of West Yorkshire. The district is also home to their fierce rivals, Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity.

Rugby Rosette

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Caption by Wakefield Civic Society

Made in: 1821 Collected in: 2001 Associated place: Wakefield This is a Theatre Programme for a performance of 'The Heir at Law / Recruiting Sergeant / The Actress of All Work' at the Theatre Royal, Wakefield in 1821. Wakefield Theatre has delighted and entertained audiences since 1776. We have lots of adverts for shows from when the Theatre was part of the famous York Circuit. This was a run of performances which travelled around Yorkshire to coincide with horseracing meetings. The schedule was gruelling for the actors with little time off, learning new parts constantly and not earning much money. This bill for the 11th September 1821 boasts a performance of The Actress of All Work, starring the child star Clara Fisher. She played seven different roles as well as a role in the Heir at Law early in the evening. This bill was for the last night of Clara’s six day marathon playing in 11 shows.

Theatre Programme

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Made in: 1960s Collected in: 2001 Associated place: Wakefield Multicoloured 'That Shirt' box. Double Two was founded in 1940 by Isaac Donner and Frank Myers. In the 1950s the company worked with the inventor of polyester fibre, Dr Rex Winfield, to create the first ever man-made shirt which was long lasting, easily washed and did not need ironing. The success of this product allowed the company to purchase a large woollen mill in south Wakefield. By the 1970s their 'That Shirt' range was also at the forefront of men's fashion with its bold colours and patterns and slim-fit design. On display in Wakefield Stories at Wakefield Museum

'That Shirt' - Double Two

Caption by Wakefield Historical Society

Info on the Pageant

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Made in: 1933 Collected in: 2004 Associated place: Wakefield Wakefield’s year of progress! Mrs Mabel Crook (1892 – 1936) wore this dress to play the part of a Lady in Waiting to Queen Elizabeth I at the spectacular Wakefield Pageant in 1933. The pageant was organised to encourage trade by the Chamber of Trade. It celebrated all things Wakefield, past, present and future in eleven shows. It started with the Celts and Romans and looked into what Wakefield might be like in the future. Schools and societies took part, playing different parts and helping to make the costumes. Mrs Crook took part in the Tudor section. Tudor characters played out scenes in front of a replica of Queen Elizabeth High School built especially for the pageant in Thornes Park. On display in 100 Years of Collecting atrium case at Wakefield One

Pageant Dress

Made in: 1914-1915 Collected in: 2007 Associated place: Sandal Thousands of refugees came to Britain when the First World War began. This wooden plaque commemorates those who arrived in Sandal from Belgium in 1914-1915. It reads 'Belgian Refugees - Sandal - 1914-15. L'union fait la force [Unity is strength]'. This is the Belgian national motto. War often causes people to move from their homes. People have arrived in Wakefield as a result of war and conflict for thousands of years, from the Ancient Romans to the present day.

Belgian Refugees Plaque

Made in: 2000s Collected in: 2007 Associated place: Wakefield This kufi was worn by Zanil Abidin Shah, the Imam of Wakefield Central Mosque. It was made in Pakistan. Many migrants moved to Wakefield in the 1950s and 1960s after Great Britain reached out to its former colonies to fill gaps in the jobs market. There were thousands of vacancies in the newly-created NHS, as well as in many industries. Many Pakistani people made Wakefield their home and over the following 50 years established popular local shops and restaurants. By the 1980s, the first purpose-built mosque opened. Previously worshippers met in temporary school buildings or homes across the city.

Imam's Kufi

Mulberry Bush Pens

Photograph

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Made in: 1847 Collected in: 1960 Associated place: Wakefield This large, heavy wooden door was once used to lock prisoners in cells in Wakefield Prison. Wakefield Prison is over 400 years old. Both the type of inmates and the layout have changed over time. This door dates from a refurbishment in 1847. Behind this door the cell measured 13ft x 7ft with a stone floor with a corner toilet and handbasin. It had gas lighting and a small round table and stool. The inmate slept on a hammock. Today Wakefield Prison is a maximum security prison designed to managed some of the most dangerous prisoners in the country. On display in Wakefield Stories at Wakefield Museum

Wakefield Prison Door

Look how little!

Spyhole

Made in: 1910s Collected in: 2010 Associated place: Castleford There are six Castleford scenes hidden in this tiny carved pig! When you look through the lens, you can see microphotographs of the town centre in around 1910. Stanhope viewers like these became popular novelties in the late 19th and early 20th century, sold as a tourist souvenirs or a reminder of home. Our collections are full of quirky curiosities, from the big to the very small! In Museum Store

Castleford Pig

Caption by Wakefield Historical Society

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Made in: 1979 Collected in: 2010 Associated place: Wakefield Local reporter Brenda Haywood wore this t-shirt as part of a protest against Wakefield City Working Men’s Club in the 1980s. Brenda and her co-campaigner, Sheila Capstick wanted the club to lift a ban on women playing snooker. They formed ERICCA - Equal Rights in Clubs Campaign for Action. They began by picketing Wakefield City Working Men’s Club and sparked a national campaign which ran throughout the 1980s. People across the country picketed clubs in solidarity. Brenda and Sheila won their battle against the snooker ban – an example of local people power with national impact. On display in 100 Years of Collecting atrium case at Wakefield One

'Snooker for Women' T-shirt

Forced rhubarb

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Made in: 2008 Collected in: 2012 Associated place: Wakefield This rhubarb splitting tool was used at Brandy Carr Nurseries, Kirkhamgate. Thanks to good soil mixed with lots of ashes, horse manure and textile waste, and just the right amount of rain, Wakefield specialises in 'forced rhubarb'. It forms part of the 'Rhubarb Triangle' with Leeds and Morley. Forced rhubarb is a technique used to grow rhubarb out of season. The rhubarb roots are taken into warm, dark sheds lit with candles. The industry boomed from the 1880s. The 'Rhubarb Triangle' supplied markets in London and on to Europe. Special trains laden with rhubarb ran overnight between January and March. In 2010, Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb gained European protection. On display in Wakefield Stories at Wakefield Museum

Rhubarb Splitting Tool

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Made in: 1917 - 1919 Collected in: 2013 Associated place: Wakefield This autograph book is full of signatures of soldiers who were patients at Heath Hall, towards the end of WWI. They were collected by Marion Walker, who was a nurse at the hospital. Carrying an autograph book was common practice for auxiliary nurses. Patients showed appreciation for the nurses by leaving their names, messages, and often doodles and cartoons on the pages. The book is a very moving personal record of the war. It shows friendship, humour and hope even in the hardest times.

Autograph Book

Photo of Stephanie

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Made in: 1980s Collected in: 2014 Associated place: Wakefield This target shot is believed to be from the 1989 National Small Bore Rifle Association Championship. Stephanie Park kept it as a souvenir of her victory in the 10 metre air rifle event. She hit all 10 shots through the central hole in the target shot. Stephanie Park nee Hopley (1940-2012) was a nurse and midwife from Wakefield. After losing a leg following an accident, she became a disabled shooter for Great Britain and a sports coach. Stephanie was a disability pioneer, and she set up the DIAL advice line. Her proud son donated her archive to our collection to showcase her achievements.

Target Shot

2018 Exhibition

Reverse side

Made in: 1998 Collected in: 2016 Associated place: Castleford This mock fiver features Viv Nicholson (3 April 1936 – 11 April 2015), the famous football pools winner from Castleford. In 1961 Viv and her husband Keith won £152,300. She became well known for quickly spending the jackpot, worth £3 million in today’s money. Viv’s story inspired TV and stage shows. In a musical production of her life, a shower of fake money scattered onto the audience in the show’s finale. Viv has autographed this note with her famous catchphrase, ‘Spend spend spend!’

Viv Nicholson Bank Note

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Made in: 1968 Collected in: 2016 Associated place: Wakefield This is Isabel Cheston’s membership card for Wakefield Theatre Club, a popular venue on the vibrant variety circuit. The club hosted acts, from musicians and comedians to ventriloquists and strong women. Star performers included Cilla Black and Bob Monkhouse. Isabel worked at the club's cigarette kiosk and gathered lots of memorabilia. Her collection is a fantastic record of the golden age of variety shows. Wakefield Theatre Club was part of the vibrant local variety scene along with the likes of Batley Variety Club. On display in Wakefield Stories at Wakefield Museum

Theatre Club Card

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An 80s Childhood

Made in: 1980s Collected in: 2018 Associated place: Wakefield Bluebird Toys Ltd’s iconic 'Big Yellow Teapot' was the cosy home to a family of four and their dog! A dolls’ house with a twist, the lid lifts to reveal a hidden roundabout. The teapot and its residents belonged to Claire Pickering, who grew up in Wakefield. It’s part of a large collection of toys and games from Claire’s 1980s childhood. Many people have fond memories of their own Big Yellow Teapot or recall coveting one! In Museum Store

Big Yellow Teapot

Made in: 2016 Collected in: 2017 Associated place: Wakefield Michelle and Lyn sent these invites to their wedding guests in 2016. Their ceremony at the Unitarian Chapel on Westgate was one of the first religious lesbian weddings in Wakefield. Michelle and Lyn donated the invitation to the museum in 2017. It is part of a growing collection of stories from LGBTQ+ people in the Wakefield district. Same-sex marriages only became legal in 2014. Michelle and Lyn's wedding had a mixture of Christian and Wiccan traditions. Michelle’s patterned wedding bow tie represented her Cape Town heritage, with African patterns but in an English style. Lyn chose delicate jewellery and floral hair accessories.

Wedding Invitation

Prison door

Caption by Wakefield Civic Society

Made in: 2019 Collected in: 2019 Associated place: Wakefield These are a pair of pens with barrels carved from wood from the famous mulberry bush, formerly in the grounds of Wakefield Prison. Prisoners used to exercise around the bush, which is believed to be the inspiration for the well-known nursery rhyme "Here we go round the Mulberry Bush". The bush died in 2017 and was cut down in 2019, although other trees have been grown from cuttings taken in 1980s. Wood from the bush is used by prisoners working in the Woodwork Shop at HMP Wakefield, one of several employment opportunities offered to inmates. Pens carved from the wood by prisoners are sold to prison staff. The mulberry bush is an important part of the prison's identity and local folklore, featuring in the prison logo and on staff recognition badges. The staff canteen is named The Mulberry Diner and a nearby road is called Mulberry Way. On display in the 100 Years of Collecting atrium case at Wakefield One

Mulberry Bush Pens

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Made in: 1984 Collected in: 2018 Associated place: Fryston Miners Stephen and Brian Dudley took this homemade banner to picket lines during the 1984-1985 miners’ strike. The brothers worked at Fryston Colliery but joined picket lines across northern England and the Midlands. Brian's wife Lesley was a seamstress and helped the brothers to make the banner. Stephen did the lettering and artwork. The brothers decorated it with the names of places they picketed and Women Against Pit Closures stickers. Stephen was arrested at the picket in Lancaster. The strike changed the lives of mining families across the district. Communities rallied together to protect and support striking workers. On display in Joining Ranks at Castleford Museum

Fryston Flying Pickets Banner

Godber's 'Bouncers'

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Made in: 1982 Collected in: 2018 Associated place: Bretton This is a 1982-83 Prospectus for Bretton Hall College of Higher Education, affiliated to University of Leeds. The college was founded in 1949 as a teacher training college in 1949 with awards from the University of Leeds. Founded by Alec Clegg, the college focussed on visual and performing arts, education and creative writing. It made a massive contribution to Britain’s cultural landscape until it closed in 2007. Famous alumni include Mark Gatiss, Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, who went on to create 'The League of Gentlemen', writer Kay Mellor and playwright John Godber.

Bretton Hall College Prospectus

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Story

Made in: 1918 Collected in: 2021 Associated place: Castleford This coffee set was hand-painted by Alice Gostick, an inspirational art teacher at Castleford Grammar School (now Castleford Academy). It is a beautiful example of Castleford peasant pottery, a popular style of decoration in the early 20th century. Gostick ran pottery decoration evening classes for pupils and parents in Castleford. Her students included Henry Moore. The Castleford classes inspired similar pottery painting sessions across the country. On display in Making their Mark at Castleford Museum

Alice Gostick Coffee Set

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Made in: 1843 Collected in: 1932 Associated place: Wakefield This locomotive won local plumber Edwin Thresh a First Class medal. Wakefield’s Industrial and Fine Art Exhibition in 1865 showcased the talent of local businesses and residents. Across six rooms visitors explored fine art, local products, models and machinery, natural history displays and ‘Women’s work of all kinds’. It is a fairly accurate model of a Manchester to Leeds railway engine, the kind of which ran through Wakefield in the 1840s. The new railway network in the 1840s brought huge changes to Wakefield’s industrial landscape. It challenged the canals as the best way to move goods around and started a revolution in holiday habits for the district’s growing work force. On display in Wakefield Stories at Wakefield Museum

'Nelson': Model Locomotive

A World of Good

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Made in: 1844 Collected in: 1935 Associated place: Wakefield Charles Waterton campaigned to protect Heath Common – the last area of open land in the district. Walton Common had become enclosed for private development in 1799 and Westgate Common and the Out Wood before that. Waterton believed that the residents of Wakefield needed this land for their mental and physical health and it was a haven for birds rarely seen elsewhere. He printed this poster and distributed it for free in a campaign to keep Heath Common open to everyone. It remains as common land today. ‘…what is to become of thy fifteen thousand people, who will not have a yard of public land remaining, whereon to recover that heath of frame, and vigour of the mind, so apt to be enfeebled when debarred from the advantage of rural air and pastime...’

Heath Common Poster

Poem

Tulip Society Photos

1929 Programme

Made in: 1900s Collected in: 1939 Associated place: Wakefield This is a ceramic tulip bottle used in exhibitions by the Wakefield and North of England Tulip Society. Founded in 1836 the Wakefield and North of England Tulip Society is the only tulip society still going. It represents one of the many diverse hobbies and societies local residents joined and developed in the 1800s. Groups of amateur florists met in local pubs and halls to show off their growing skills and win prizes.

Tulip Vase

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Made in: 19th Century Collected in: 1958 Associated place: Pontefract Established in 1808 the Osgoldcross and Staincross Local Militia were men who volunteered to serve locally to defend against French invasion. This uniform belonged to an officer who would have been one of the local gentry. On display in Pontefract Stories at Pontefract Museum

Militia Uniform

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Made in: 1920s Collected in: 1963 Associated place: Wakefield A wooden, hand-crafted Noah's Ark toy set, complete with over 100 hand-painted and carved animals and figurines. There is also a little sign that says 'Start Here', instructing the animals to line up two by two. Arks were popular toys in wealthy Victorian homes because children regularly attended Bible School on Sundays.

Noah's Ark Toy Set

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Made in: 1809 Collected in: 1964 Associated place: Wakefield Wakefield Museum has some quietly important objects such as this post box, the oldest in Britain! It was installed in Wakefield Post Office on Wood Street in 1809 and predates the Victorian Penny Post by 30 years. On display at Wakefield Museum

Postbox

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Made in: 1790 Collected in: 1971 Associated place: Wakefield This beautifully crafted oak chest was made by George Musgrove at William Scott's workshop for the Wakefield Cabinet Makers Society in 1790. Musgrove was a member of the Society. It was used to hold the Society's papers and money. It has two secret drawers and four locks so more than one member had to be present to open it. How do we know? George left us a note explaining it! Early societies like the Wakefield Cabinet Society brought workers together and paved the way for the trade unions which would grow in the 1800s. On display in Wakefield Stories at Wakefield Museum

Cabinet Makers Society Chest

George Kellett's Diary

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Made in: 1910s Collected in: 1974 Associated place: Wakefield This wrist watch was worn at the Battle of the Somme in 1916 by Captain R. Ede England. He was the Officer commanding D Company, 12th Battalion, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (Miners, Pioneers) on 1 July 1916. D Company was timed to "go over the top" at 7.48am on 1 July and this is the watch which timed that event in the battle. It is now forever stopped at that fateful time. In 1966, Captain England returned to the Somme for a service commemorating the battle. He wore this same watch with which he had timed his advance 50 years earlier. His poignant gesture makes this personal object a powerful record of one man’s experience of the First World War. On display in Wakefield Stories at Wakefield Museum

Wrist Watch

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Made in: 1920s Collected in: 1976 Associated place: Featherstone This tunic style jersey was part of the unsold shop stock from Miss Cliffe's Drapers shop in Featherstone. She owned and ran her Station Lane shop from the 1920s until she died in the 1960s. Originally acquired by Wakefield Museum in the late 1970s, the Cliffe Costume Collection is made up of over 600 items of clothing and accessories. The items are mainly designed for women but there are also children’s clothes and accessories designed for men, such as flat caps and ties. The collection is an important and rare record of working-class clothing in the early 20th century.

Tunic Style Jersey

Archaeology Blog

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Made in: Palaeolithic period (3.3 million to 11,600 years ago) Collected in: 1931 Associated place: Stanley This hand axe is the oldest human object in our collection. It dates back to the Palaeolithic period and was made 200,000 to 500,000 years ago by one of the earliest humans to live in Britain. This early settlement ended at the start of the last Ice Age and humans only returned to Britain 10,000 years ago. It was found in excavations in Lee Moor, Stanley, in 1889. On display in Wakefield Stories at Wakefield Museum

Palaeolithic Hand Axe

Obverse side

Made in: Iron Age Collected in: 1977 Associated place: Hemsworth This Iron Age gold stater was found in Hemsworth. The side pictured shows a disjointed horse facing left with a star below. The other side shows the abstracted head of Apollo facing right. The coins are known as staters, after the Ancient Greek coins they copy. They entered Western Europe when they were used to pay mercenaries. This coin was originally made by a tribe in the East Midlands.

Iron Age Stater

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Made in: 15th Century Collected in: 1983 Associated place: Sandal (Castle) This curious object was a portable urinal. It was found in fragments at Sandal Castle. Intriguingly, the urinal was decorated with a boar, the symbol of King Richard III. Sandal Castle was an important Yorkist base in the Wars of the Roses. Was it used for the royal wee? We’ve carefully put the boar’s head decoration back together from its pieces. It is displayed at Wakefield Museum alongside a replica of the urinal. The remaining fragments may be reconstructed in future. On display in Wakefield Stories at Wakefield Museum

Sandal Castle Urinal

Front of jug

Made in: 16th Century Collected in: 1983 Associated place: Sandal / Wrenthorpe This Wrenthorpe style jug was found in excavations at Sandal Castle between 1964 and 1973. The name Potovens for the Wrenthorpe area of Wakefield is quite literal, in the past there were kilns here for making pots. Wrenthorpe pottery, also known as Cistercian ware, is very distinctive with its dark colour and shiny glaze.

Wrenthorpe Jug

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Made in: 1815 Collected in: 1988 Associated place: Wakefield This is a 12th edition copy of 'Historical and Miscellaneous Questions for the use of young people', often known as 'Mangnall's Questions', written by Richmal Mangnall. Mangnall (1759-1820) was originally a pupil at Crofton Hall school and became a teacher there in the 1790s. As well as teaching hundreds of young people, she also wrote this influential textbook. At first, the book was just intended for use at the school in Crofton. However, it went on to become an influential textbook used at schools across the country. By 1857, it had reached 84 editions. ‘Mangnall’s Questions’ was referenced by many influential writers and social commentators, including Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell, and James Joyce.

'Mangnall's Questions'

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Caption by Wakefield Civic Society

Made in: 1994 Collected in: 1995 Associated place: Upton Playwright John Godber was born in Upton, the son of a coal miner. He went to Minsthorpe High School, where he was later Head of Drama. He is now one of the most-performed writers in the English language and his plays are multi-award winning. 'Bouncers' is one of his best-known productions. John Godber is one of a long list of people from the Wakefield district who went on to make a name for themselves in the arts. On display in the 100 Years of Collecting atrium case at Wakefield One

Theatre Poster - 'Bouncers'

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Please note this next object is linked to the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Click the 'Continue' button below if you want to continue. If you do not want to continue, press the 'Go Back' button below

Wakefield Bank Note

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Made in: 1800 Collected in: 1996 Associated place: Wakefield Wakefield’s collections can reveal hidden stories, often diverse and surprising ones. This banknote is one of the first issued by Wakefield’s first bank, Ingram, Kennett and Ingram. There is much more to the story. Captain Francis Ingram of Wakefield used the profits from trading in enslaved people to start the bank. In the 1770s and 1780s he was a major figure in the slave trade, involved in 105 voyages, which trafficked close to 34,000 slaves from Africa. It is estimated that these ships delivered just over 29,000 people to the Americas, meaning that around 5,000 died making the journey across the Atlantic Ocean. Ingram’s business was part of the so-called Triangle of Trade. British merchants like Ingram sailed from ports such as Liverpool and traded goods for enslaved Black people from African merchants in ports along the West African coast. On display in Wakefield Stories at Wakefield Museum

Wakefield Bank Note

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Made in: 1789 Collected in: 1996 Associated place: Pontefract Pontefract’s Elizabeth Moxon was a first-class confectioner’s cook and a trailblazer in English cookery writing. Her book 'English Housewifery' featured over 450 recipes for cooks in middle class Georgian households. It included a lavish dinner party plan for every month of the year. The classic Yorkshire recipes were drawn from Elizabeth’s lifetime of experience. She is believed to have been around 50 when her book was first published. The book was very popular and ran to multiple editions. Moxon’s work paved the way for future cookery writers like Hannah Glasse. Soon to go back on display at Pontefract Museum

'English Housewifery'

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Made in: 1986 Collected in: 1996 Associated place: South Elmsall / South Kirkby / Upton There is a long tradition of community-led galas in Wakefield District. They attract many thousands of visitors to watch the street processions, entertainment and other activities. In 1986 the festivities included a bouncy castle, majorettes, clay pigeon shooting, and displays of woodcarving, lace and model aircrafts.

SESKU Gala Programme

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Made in: 14th Century Collected in: 1980s Associated place: Pontefract This small jet cross was found in a grave at St John's Priory in Pontefract buried with its owner. Jet is fossilised wood from monkey puzzle trees and is found at the coast around Whitby. On display in Pontefract Stories at Pontefract Museum

Jet Cross

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Made in: 18th Century Collected in: 1974 Associated place: Pontefract This bell used to be in Pontefract Market. The bell was rung to mark the beginning and end of trading at the market. Bells were the main way of marking the time before clocks and watches became more common and affordable. On display in Pontefract Stories at Pontefract Museum

Pontefract Market Bell

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Made in: 19th Century Collected in: 1982 Associated place: Castleford This fizzy drinks bottle was made by E. Breffitt and Co. Ltd Makers, Castleford, for Morrison and Towenend. Glassmaking was first recorded in Castleford around 1700 and became a major industry in the 19th century. The Aire and Calder Glass Bottle Works employed 1000 people at its peak. Edgar Breffitt, a London merchant, bought this factory in 1844 and rebranded it in his name. On display in Castleford Stories at Castleford Museum

Fizzy Drinks Bottle

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Made in: 15th Century Associated place: Wakefield This carved wooden post decorated the front of a shop on Bread Street in Wakefield in the late 1400s. It depicted an armed man, possibly a soldier or knight. The centre of Wakefield once boasted rows of impressive timber framed houses as a result of the booming wool trade in the 1500s. This new wealth started a major building programme in Wakefield. The merchants bought and built finely decorated houses, giving rise to new shops and inns and a bustling market place. The demolition of most of the buildings in the 1960s, and the covering up of the rest, leave little evidence of those times. On display in Wakefield Stories at Wakefield Museum

Timber Beam

Poem

Caption by Wakefield Civic Society

Made in: 1920s Collected in: 2011 Associated place: Wakefield This whistle was used by William Morgan, who was a nurse at the West Riding Asylum between 1927 and 1960. It was made by J. Hudson and Co in Birmingham. The West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum in Wakefield first opened in 1818. It was built to identify and treat people with mental health illness. Though the methods they used are often barbaric compared to today’s treatments and attitudes, at the time they were considered progressive. As part of their treatment, ‘able’ patients were expected to work; the Asylum had gardens, a farm and artisan workrooms. Female patients might work in the kitchen or laundry. On display in the 100 Years of Collecting atrium case at Wakefield One

Asylum Nurse's Whistle

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Bronze Age Burial Cup

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Made in: Bronze Age Collected in: 2011 Associated place: Ossett This cup from the Bronze Age was found at Mitchell Laithes Farm, Ossett, in 2007. The burnt remains of a cremation burial were found in this little pot. The original purpose of the pot is unclear - it was made with holes in it so wouldn't have been much good as a drinking vessel. This kind of pot is often found with Bronze Age burials. On display in Wakefield Stories at Wakefield Museum

Bronze Age Burial Cup

Archaeology Blog

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Made in: Bronze Age Collected in: 2014 Associated place: Stanley This small axe head is from the Late Bronze Age, nearly 3,000 years ago. The copper in the bronze it is made of probably came from North Wales. The loop helped fix it to a handle. The three ribs running along the blade are typical of axe heads from northern Britain. It was found as part of the Smalley Bight Hoard in Stanley. On display in Wakefield Stories at Wakefield Museum

Bronze Age Axehead

Made in: 2014 Collected in: 2014 Associated place: Wakefield Poster for the 2014 Long Division music festival, headlined by Wakefield rock band The Cribs. Long Division was founded in 2011 by the Rhubarb Bomb fanzine. The festival ran until 2023, attracting big names and supporting upcoming local bands. Long Division has helped to promote a thriving local music scene and continue a long tradition of musical performance in the Merrie City.

Long Division Poster

Football Heritage

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Made in: 1960s Collected in: 2015 Associated place: Horbury This orange, unbranded Slazenger Challenge 4-Star football was made for the Men's 1966 World Cup Finals. This particular ball was not used at the tournament, but it was made alongside ones that were. It was made by Kenneth Schofield, who produced a range of products for Slazenger between 1960 and 2013. Football manufacture in Horbury began in 1880 at William Sykes Ltd. Production continued at the Horbury works after Sykes merged with Slazenger in 1942, and continued until 1969. The iconic orange colour was chosen so the footballs would show up on black and white television broadcasts. On display in Wakefield Stories at Wakefield Museum

World Cup Football

Tennis Heritage

Caption by Wakefield Historical Society

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Made in: 1980s Collected in: 2016 Associated place: Horbury This is a Dunlop 200G Max Pro tennis racket. The 200G racket was developed at Dunlop Slazenger's Research and Development Centre in Horbury. Slazenger had merged with Horbury-based rival sports manufacturers, William Sykes Ltd in 1942. The companies later became part of the Dunlop Slazenger group. It was made using a pioneering injection moulding technique that produced a lightweight but strong, hollow racket which could be mass produced cheaply. The racket significantly reduced vibration and prevented 'tennis elbow'. It won engineering and design awards and was used by players such as John McEnroe, Steffi Graf and Martina Navratilova. On display in the 100 Years of Collecting atrium case at Wakefield One

Tennis Racket

Caption by Wakefield Historical Society

Made in: 14th - 15th Century Associated place: Wakefield This medieval wool weight is made of lead and is in the shape of a shield. It features a raised pattern of a crown over a fleur-de-lis. These weights are commonly marked with official looking emblems, probably to make them appear more trustworthy. Weights like this were attached to a leather strap, slung over a beam and counterbalanced with an equivalent weight of wool. Wakefield has long history of being involved in the wool trade. On display in the 100 Years of Collecting atrium case at Wakefield One

Wool Weight

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Made in: 19th Century Collected in: 1962 Associated place: Pontefract This is a waistcoat that was designed to be bulletproof. It was used by Edward Tew, a partner in the local bank Leatham, Tew and Company. Edward’s father Thomas Tew founded 2 banks at Pontefract and Doncaster with John Leatham in about 1800. In 1809 they bought another bank in Wakefield. Edward Tew managed the Doncaster branch, and had to travel between the 3 branches, presumably carrying valuables. The roads were becoming safer by the early 19th century, and the last recorded robbery by a highwayman on horseback was in 1831. However, there was still a risk of highway robbery when the banks were founded. On display in Pontefract Stories at Pontefract Museum

Bulletproof Waistcoat

Caption by Wakefield Historical Society

Made in: 1937 Collected in: 2012 Associated place: Wakefield These scales weighed schoolchildren visiting the Wakefield Seaside School (1938–2014) in Hornsea. The children got weighed at the beginning of their stay, and again at the end to show that they had put on some weight. The Seaside School in Hornsea was a bold educational experiment. It gave children from across the district a chance to visit the seaside and get some fresh air and exercise. It opened in 1938 during a time when many children suffered from malnutrition and being underweight was an indicator of poverty. Many Wakefield residents have fond memories of their time on the Yorkshire coast through attending Seaside School. On display in the 100 Years of Collecting atrium case at Wakefield One

Seaside School Scales

Burberry PPE

Burberry Mill

Made in: 2020s Collected in: 2022 Associated place: Castleford This mid-length 'Kensington' Heritage Trenchcoat was made by Burberry in Castleford. Burberry's Castleford Mill has been producing the brand's iconic trenchcoat for over 50 years, after formally acquiring the factory in 1972. It is still hand-stitched by a skilled local workforce, and exported all over the world. The Heritage Trenchcoat is available in 5 different cuts, or silhouettes, named after different areas in London. The Kensington silhouette is described as the 'classic fit' and is the most popular design. It takes 120 intricate processes, 80 pieces of fabric, and four hours of stitching to craft a single coat. In 2020, the Castleford Mill switched its production to make PPE (personal protective equipment) for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Burberry Trenchcoat

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Made in: 2020s Collected in: 2023 Associated place: Wakefield This bottle of Tropical Punch Prime Energy Drink was bought from Wakefield Wines ('Wakey Wines'). Wakey Wines is an off-licence in Wakefield City Centre that went viral on TikTok in 2022. Short videos made by the owner Abdul showed customers who had travelled miles to buy bottles of Prime (sold out in many other shops) for high prices. The videos are often accompanied by catch phrases including 'What's the best shop in Wakey? Wakey Wines!' Prime is promoted by YouTuber/influencers Logan Paul and KSI, which contributed to a lot of 'hype' about the drink online. In Museum Store - photo on display in Moving Stories at Wakefield Museum

Prime Energy Drink Bottle

Reverse Side

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Made in: 1648 Collected in: 1999 Associated place: Pontefract This siege coin was made at Pontefract Castle during the English Civil Wars. It features an image of the Castle on the front. Siege coins are a type of emergency money created during times or war or invasion, such as a siege. During the Civil Wars, Pontefract Castle was sieged three times. It was the last Royalist stronghold to surrender to the Parliamentarians after Charles I’s execution. Whilst they were cut off from outside society, the Castle community adapted to siege conditions by creating their own infrastructure, including their own currency. The commanders melted down precious metals to make their own rough coinage to pay troops and buy supplies. They added mottoes on the coins to boost morale. The inscription on this coin reads 'While I breathe, I hope'. On display in the Visitor Centre at Pontefract Castle

Siege Coin

Text on ball

Made in: 1929 Collected in: 1976 Associated place: Castleford This rugby ball was used by Arthur Atkinson to make a record goal kick of 75 yards in Castleford's victory against St. Helens, on 26 October 1929. The record reportedly remains unbroken. Atkinson played for Castleford from 1926-1942, making 431 appearances. In 1935 he captained the team to glory in the cup final at Wembley. He also played eight times for England. He is one of our district’s many sporting legends. His wife kindly donated this commemorative ball to our collection before she emigrated to Australia in 1976.

Atkinson Rugby Ball

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Gracie Fields marbles

Made in: 1957 Collected in: 1985 Associated place: Castleford This commemorative gold marble is from the 'Reight Neet Aht' events in Castleford. A 'Reight Neet Aht' was a unique community fundraising event held in Castleford between 1936 and 1958. The annual marbles tournament was in aid of Leeds Infirmary. The event put Castleford on the map, attracting international attention and star cameos such as Gracie Fields.

'Reight Neet Aht' Marble

A Mining Deputy's Story

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Made in: 1970s Collected in: 1999 Associated place: Pontefract This is a miner's safety helmet, fitted with an Edison clip-on light. Safety helmets like this one became mandatory for coal miners from the 1960s. The earliest miners had not worn any proper head protection. Coal mining helped transform the Wakefield district into an industrial powerhouse. It was well positioned on coal fields and had excellent transport links to take the coal to the mills and factories across Yorkshire. The mining industry employed thousands of people. On display in Wakefield Stories at Wakefield Museum

Miner's Helmet with Lamp

Made in: 1850s Collected in: 1974 Associated place: Pontefract This hot cross bun was allegedly brought back from the Crimean War (1853 - 1856) by a soldier from Pontefract. Britain and France invaded the Crimea, then part of Russia, to stop Russia becoming too powerful in the Balkans as the Ottoman Empire fell apart. It might be a little bit stale now!

Crimean War Bun

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Made in: 1950s Collected in: 1996 Associated place: Knottingley This model of half of a ship was made by John Harker Ltd, Knottingley. Knottingley was a port and shipyard for centuries. The 'William' traded between Hull and Newcastle in the reign of Elizabeth I, while the 'Wheldale H' was part of Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee flotilla. Harker's shipyard built over 300 ships, specialising in coastal and river tankers like the Wheldale H and this model. On display in Pontefract Stories at Pontefract Museum

Harker's Ship Model

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Made in: 1930s Collected in: 2001 Associated place: Knottingley This statue of Andromeda, stood in a bowl, was made by Bagley and Co Ltd (Bagley's) in Knottingley. Although started as a bottle factory, Bagley's also made decorative glass. It was especially known for its coloured glass developed in the 1930s. Andromeda was a very popular figure. Some of the 1930s colours were created using uranium, a radioactive element. Coloured production ended in the 1940s when the uranium was needed for atomic bomb development. After the war Bagley's created a very dark black glass, known as jetique. On display in the Bagley's Glass Room at Pontefract Museum

Bagley's Andromeda Bowl

Liquorice Blog

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Ballot Box

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Made in: 1870s Collected in: 2002 Associated place: Pontefract This is a liquorice stamp for Pontefract Cakes made at Frank Dunhill's ('F.D'). Pontefract cakes are liquorice-flavoured sweets in the form of small black discs, often hand stamped with an image of a castle gate. From around 1800, liquorice was being made into sweets in Pontefract. Pontefract Cakes proved incredibly popular. Liquorice growing in Pontefract boomed and lots of other companies began making the sweets. By 1900 there were at least a dozen liquorice factories employing 9,000 workers, mainly women. Today the Dunhill factory has been bought by Haribo but Pontefract Cakes are still made there. This stamp was also used on the wax seal of the ballot box used for the first secret ballot in Britain, which was in Pontefract in 1872. On display in Pontefract Stories at Pontefract Museum

Dunhill's Liquorice Stamp

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Made in: 1920s Collected in: 2005 Associated place: Pontefract This A. Mittag piano was used at the Crescent Cinema, Ropergate, in Pontefract. The cinema opened in 1926 and closed in 1993. Across the district, going to the pictures has been a popular pastime for many decades.

Crescent Cinema Piano

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Made in: 1903 Collected in: 2011 Associated place: Knottingley England's first public sanitation law was passed in 1388, but 500 years later dirty water was still killing people. This was despite knowledge about cholera and similar diseases. In part, this was because the wealthy people who ran public sanitation bodies were unwilling to invest in cleaner solutions. In 1894 new local councils were given public health powers. One of the first things the new Knottingley Urban District Council did was deal with water and sewage. By 1898 cleaner water was reducing the rate of cholera. In 1903 Knottingley celebrated its new sewage works, presenting the mayor with this silver-gilt key at a grand dinner. On display in Pontefract Stories at Pontefract Museum

Sewage Works Key

Reverse side

Made in: 1804 Collected in: 2018 Associated place: Pontefract The first recorded race in Pontefract was in 1648. At first races were held wherever there was space but by 1800 the racegoers of Pontefract wanted a regular course and facilities. For £50 a subscriber in 1802 got a silver ticket for the next 20 years of racing. This was around £2,200 in today's money! The money raised was used to build the first grandstand (the Pontefract Stand) at the Racecourse. This was Number 21, bought and owned by John Lambert Esq.

Pontefract Races Pass

Rachel List Blog

Made in: 2020 Collected in: 2021 Associated place: Pontefract This mural titled 'We Love The NHS' was painted by Pontefract-based artist Rachel List. It was made as part of a series of artworks created by Rachel in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the extraordinary efforts of key workers. Rachel List found fame in the lockdowns of 2020 when she began painting murals around Pontefract. Rachel’s colourful work paid tribute to key workers. Her paintings became much-loved local landmarks and her story made the national news. We commissioned Rachel to recreate some of her most popular murals on canvas. The paintings are now part of our permanent collection as a record of Pontefract’s life in lockdown.

'We Love The NHS'

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Made in: 1688 Associated place: Wakefield Before the police came into being in 1848, Wakefield relied on the town’s Waits, or nightwatchmen, to keep them safe at night. Originally Wakefield had three Waits, one for each ward. By 1826 there were 16. When Wakefield Town became a Corporation and set up its first police force, many of the Waits applied and became bobbies. On display in Wakefield Stories at Wakefield Museum

Waits' Badge

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Special Visit

Made in: 1936 Collected in: 1998 Associated place: South Kirkby On 22 - 23 August 1935, there were a series of fatal explosions at the South Kirkby Colliery which killed 10 men. One of the miners, George William Beaman, was involved in the rescue and recovery efforts. Beaman was awarded this Edward Medal for his bravery by King Edward VIII at Buckingham Palace on 15 July 1936. Norman Baster and James Pollitt were also awarded Edward Medals alongside Beaman at this ceremony. In the 1970s, Edward Medals were converted into the George Cross. In Museum Store

Edward Medal

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Anti-Slavery Lecture Poster

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Made in: 1860 Collected in: 1923 Associated place: Wakefield This poster advertises a lecture given by William Howard Day in the Music Saloon on Wood Street in Wakefield in December 1860. The lecture took place at an important moment in the story of slavery, just a few months before the start of the American Civil War, a conflict based on the continued ownership and abuse of enslaved people by the plantation owners of the Southern States of America. Several celebrated abolitionists such as Day visited this country and resonated with the working people in the North of England. Many towns like Wakefield had an active abolitionist campaign movement and invited speakers to venues such as the Music Saloon on Wood Street and the Corn Exchange on Westgate. On display in Wakefield Stories at Wakefield Museum

Anti-Slavery Lecture Poster

Story

Made in: 1960s Collected in: 1998 Associated place: Pontefract This is a model of proposed developments to Pontefract Town Centre by later scandalized architect John Poulson. Many British towns were redeveloped in the 1960s and concrete centres designed for cars were seen as the future. In Pontefract, local developer John Poulson created this plan to replace the whole town centre. Ultimately his vision was never built - but he did build the Horsefair Flats. He also designed Pontefract Library. However, by the time it was built he had gone bankrupt, been found guilty of corruption, and was in prison. In Museum Store

Model of Pontefract

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Ferrybridge Coffee Pot

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Made in: 1805 - 1815 Collected in: 1998 Associated place: Ferrybridge This is a brown ceramic coffee pot, made in Ferrybridge Pottery. Coffee first came to Europe in the 17th century through the Ottoman Empire. It quickly became very popular and coffee houses sprang up everywhere. Coffee became much cheaper as the 18th century progressed and wealthier people could afford to make it at home, creating a market for utensils like this pot from Ferrybridge. This came at a human cost. Coffee in the 1800s became cheaper as it was grown in slave plantations in the Caribbean - as did the sugar to go with it. On display in Pontefract Stories at Pontefract Museum

Ferrybridge Coffee Pot

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Faces of South Elmsall Project

Made in: 2021 Collected in: 2021 Associated place: South Elmsall This is an oral history recording of David Holroyd, 'The Dolphin Trainer of South Elmsall'. David came to South Elmsall in 1971 to work at a new training centre for aquatic mammals. He formed a strong bond with the dolphins he trained and saw the consequences of keeping them in captivity. David now raises awareness of animal welfare problems. David shared his story with us for the Faces of South Elmsall project by artist, Jonathan Straight. Oral history recordings are an important part of our collection. They are a personal account of local people’s lives, told in their own words. In Digital Archive

Oral History

Made in: 1960s Collected in: 2022 Associated place: Ferrybridge This synchroscope was used at Ferrybridge 'C' Power Station. The Power Station was built in 1966 and operated until 2016. The power station was coal fired, and the cooling towers were a well-known landmark in the area before its demolition was completed in October 2022. The synchroscope ensured the generators were synchronised with the power grid before connecting them to it. If they weren't synchronised it could have caused a lot of damage. On display in Wakefield One upper atrium

Synchroscope

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Made in: 2011 Collected in: 2017 Associated place: Wakefield Wakefield rock band The Cribs has electrified the British music scene since 2002. The Cribs are the Jarman brothers; twins Ryan on guitar and Gary on bass and younger brother Ross on drums. They have produced six albums and played countless gigs and festivals around the world. This Fender Mustang Special guitar is one of two provided to Ryan in 2011 through his Fender endorsement deal. It was used on the set-closing song almost every night on the "In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull" album tour. It was damaged and repaired numerous times throughout the years, before finally being deemed 'beyond-repair' in Hong Kong, 2013. In 2012 they were honoured with the Spirit of Independence award at the Q Awards and the Outstanding Contribution to Music award at the NME Awards. On display in Wakefield Stories at Wakefield Museum

Ryan Jarman's Guitar

Made in: 1900 Collected in: 1920 Associated place: Wakefield This is a painting of 'Wakefield Cathedral from Lower Kirkgate' by Louisa Fennell. Louisa Fennell (1847 – 1930), is a visual storyteller of Victorian Wakefield. Even at a very early age she had a compulsion to draw what she saw around her. From an early age she painted alms houses, chimneys, views of Wakefield Streets, and various shops across the city. In this painting she demonstrates the dominance of All Saints Church (which became Wakefield Cathedral in 1888) The 75m spire is the tallest in Yorkshire. Fennell shows the church here in 1900, five years before the east end extended further down Kirkgate. Shared with thanks to The Hepworth Wakefield

Louisa Fennell Painting

Archaeology Blog

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Made in: Roman era Collected in: 1990s Associated place: Castleford This carving of two female heads is dedicated ‘to the Nymphs’, nature spirits usually linked to springs and running water. Dedications to nymphs are often found near military sites like the Roman fort at Castleford. The fort at Castleford was known as 'Lagentium' to the Romans. On display in Castleford Stories at Castleford Museum

Nymph Stone

Made in: 1832 Collected in: 1983 Associated place: Horbury This large fabric political banner was made to celebrate the 1832 Reform Bill. It was rescued from a house in Horbury in the 1980s. The 1832 Reform Bill granted Wakefield voters the right to elect an MP for the first time. Three Lords, Grey, Brougham and Russell, played big parts in getting the bill passed. The banner depicts them as “Conquering Heroes.” Before 1832 most big northern towns like Wakefield had no MPs. Hundreds of thousands of people came to a meeting in Wakefield to celebrate the results with banners held high. In the first election, Wakefield voters (a few men) elected the Liberal candidate, Daniel Gaskill, to speak for the town in Parliament.

1832 Reform Act Banner

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Made in: 1937 Associated place: Wakefield This marble sculpture was created by internationally renowned artist Barbara Hepworth. Hepworth (1903 - 1975) was born in Wakefield. Hepworth was one of the greatest artists of the 20th century and her work can be seen in galleries and public spaces across the world. Her work was highly influential and important, and Wakefield honours her legacy with the art gallery named after her. This work was made in Hepworth’s London studio, a few years before she moved to St. Ives. On display at The Hepworth Wakefield Shared with thanks to The Hepworth Wakefield

'Pierced Hemisphere I'

Pears Blog

Made in: 1930s Collected in: 2021 Associated place: Pontefract Pontefract-born Charles Pears (1873-1958) was a leading marine artist and poster designer in the 1920s and 1930s. He created vibrant designs like this shipping poster for the luxurious Orcades liner. Pears developed his artistic talent at school in East Hardwick and at Pontefract College. He became a prolific commercial artist, specialising in travel posters for seaside destinations. His work inspired holiday makers across the country to head for the beach.

Charles Pears Print