Wakefield was an important market town in the Middle Ages, as well as an inland port on the River Calder. It prospered through trade and industry in textiles, coal mining, tanning and grain, becoming the county town of West Yorkshire in the Industrial Revolution and its parish church achieving cathedral status in 1888. The Victorian era left a legacy of grand civic buildings in the city, and it is still the administrative centre for many services in West Yorkshire. Manufacturing continues to be strong in Wakefield, although the coal mines have closed and some heavy industry moved away, but the city has also regenerated itself in recent decades, not least by its waterfront and celebrating its cultural heritage by opening the Hepworth Wakefield museum in honour of the famous artist Barbara Hepworth, who was born and brought up in Wakefield.

Celebrating Wakefield chronicles the proud heritage of Wakefield, its important moments and what draws so many to this dynamic city today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Wakefield’s rich heritage, its special events and important moments. This book will be a valuable contribution to the history of the city and provide a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.