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Wakefield Leasing

Did You Know?

Wakefield is a cathedral city in West Yorkshire with a population of almost 344,000 people. Situated nine miles south of Leeds on the River Calder, it’s most famous for its coal mining heritage, cathedral, and rhubarb. The city of Wakefield is also home to the largest high security prison in Western Europe.

One of Wakefield’s most outstanding features is its cathedral. This impressive structure can be found at the heart of the city centre and has the tallest spire in Yorkshire at 75 metres which can be seen for miles around. Originally, Wakefield Cathedral was a parish church which has since changed over the centuries. Its many repairs and renovations has made this building into what we see today. In 2005, the cathedral was notably visited by The Queen when she arrived in the city for the Maundy Thursday service and money distribution ceremony.

Sandal Castle is a ruin that can be found just outside of the city of Wakefield and is most famous for being the location of the Battle of Wakefield during The War of the Roses in 1460. The battle is claimed to be the origins of nursery rhyme ‘The Grand Old Duke of York’ which references Richard, the Duke of York, marching up the hill to Sandal Castle with his men before meeting his demise during the conflict.

The Wakefield Museum was relocated from the edge of the city centre to the heart of the city. It charts the history of the area and its people dating back to prehistoric times up to the present day. Since it’s relocation, the museum has been revamped. In 2013, Sir David Attenborough opened it to the public.

Wakefield has many parks just outside of the city centre. These include: Thornes Park, Clarence Park, Holmfield Park, Pugneys Country Park, and Castle Grove Park. Clarence Park hosts the annual Wakefield Music Festival which promotes local talent. It also hosts the annual classic car show, bonfire and fireworks display, and fair. More recently, thousands gather to participate in or support the Pretty Mudder Challenge which raises money for life saving cancer research.

Wakefield Prison is the largest high security jail in Western Europe. It’s a Category A men’s prison which houses some of Britain’s most notorious criminals serving life sentences.  Nicknamed Monster Mansion, the prison was built in 1594 and was originally created as a house of correction.

The name “Wakefield” may derive from “Waca’s field” (but then it would be near Liverpool surely) meaning open land belonging to someone named “Waca”. More likely it is derived from witch or wake a festival in a field.