Wakefield

Table of Contents

Wakefield is an industrial city located in West Yorkshire, England. It has a population of approximately 99,800 and is the administrative centre of the City of Wakefield metropolitan district. The city sits in the middle of the Wakefield metropolitan borough and is home to a range of attractions and activities, including a range of historical sites, art galleries, theatres, and sports venues.

Wakefield has a rich heritage, with evidence of settlement dating back to the Iron Age. There are a number of important archaeological sites in the area, including the remains of a Roman fort and a Saxon burial ground. It is also home to the Grade I listed Wakefield Cathedral, a stunning Gothic-style building constructed in the 13th century.

The city is an important industrial centre, with a strong manufacturing base and a thriving cultural scene. It is home to numerous galleries, theatres, and museums, including the renowned Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Wakefield is also an important transport hub, with excellent road and rail links providing easy access to the rest of the country.

Wakefield is a vibrant and exciting city, with something for everyone. From its rich heritage and culture to its modern attractions and activities, Wakefield is a great place to visit and explore.


Welcome to Wakefield

Wakefield is a historic market town in the City of Wakefield district of West Yorkshire, England, on the River Calder and the eastern edge of the Pennines, which had a population of 79,886 in the 2011 census. It is located 6 miles (10 km) south-east of Leeds and 15 miles (24 km) west of York.

Historically part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, it is one of the five towns in the metropolitan borough of the City of Wakefield and is the administrative centre of the district.

The town is known for the Wakefield Mystery Plays, its Medieval links, the three-day-long Wakefield Festival, and the four-day-long Wakes Week.


Transport

Wakefield is served by the M1 motorway, which passes to the east of the city, and the A1(M) motorway, which passes to the south. It is connected to both Leeds and Sheffield, and to other cities by the M1 and M62 motorways. The Wakefield Westgate railway station is served by Northern, CrossCountry and TransPennine Express.


Culture

Wakefield is a city of culture and heritage. It is home to the Wakefield Museum, the Wakefield Art Gallery, Wakefield Cathedral and the Hepworth Wakefield contemporary art gallery. The Wakefield Festival is an annual celebration of the city’s culture, with music, outdoor theatre, and street entertainment.


Landmarks

The city is home to many notable landmarks, including Wakefield Cathedral, Wakefield Town Hall, and Wakefield Market. Wakefield also has a number of parks and green spaces, including Pugneys Country Park and Thornes Park.


Education

Wakefield is home to a number of universities, colleges and schools, including the University of Huddersfield, Wakefield College, The Wakefield College Sixth Form Centre, and Outwood Academy City.


Shopping

Wakefield has many shopping centres, high streets and markets, including Trinity Walk Shopping Centre, Westgate Retail Park, Wakefield Market, Kirkgate Shopping Centre and The Ridings Shopping Centre.


Wakefield’s Historical Background

Wakefield is a city located in West Yorkshire, England. It is situated between Leeds and Sheffield, and is renowned for its cultural heritage and industrial past. Wakefield has a rich and fascinating history, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Iron Age.


Roman Times

Evidence of Roman activity in the area was first discovered in the 19th century. It is believed that the Romans had a camp in the area of Wakefield, which was used as a temporary base of operations. In addition to this, coins and pottery dating back to the time of the Roman Empire have been discovered in the area.


Middle Ages

The town of Wakefield was first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. At this time, the town was under the control of William the Conqueror, and it is believed that the Saxon King Harold fled to Wakefield after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The town was an important trading and administrative centre during the Middle Ages.


Industrial Revolution

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Wakefield experienced a period of great industrial growth. The town was an important centre for coal mining, with the coal industry providing much of the city’s employment. In addition to this, the town saw the development of many new industries including brewing, cotton, and chemical production.


Modern Wakefield

Today, Wakefield is a vibrant and thriving city with a diverse economy. It is home to both a large university and college, and boasts a wide range of shops, restaurants and bars. The city is also a popular tourist destination, and is home to a number of historic sites, museums and art galleries.


Wakefield’s Geographical Context

Wakefield lies in the City of Wakefield district in West Yorkshire, England and is situated between Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield. The River Calder and Calder & Hebble Navigation Canal both run through Wakefield. To the North lies the Pennine hills.

The town has a population of over 76,000 people, which makes it the third largest town in the Yorkshire region.

The Wakefield district is home to two national parks; the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is also located near to the Peak District National Park.

The climate of the Wakefield district is generally temperate and experiences mild to warm summers and generally cold, wet winters. The area is also prone to spells of wet and windy weather. Average temperature in the area is 8.0°C and average annual rainfall for the town is 707 mm.


Economic Sectors and Employment in Wakefield

The city of Wakefield is an important part of the West Yorkshire economy. With a population of over 300,000, Wakefield has a wide variety of businesses and industries which contribute to its success.

The service sector is the largest contributor to the economy of Wakefield, with over 50% of jobs located in this sector. This includes retail, hospitality, and financial services. The city also has a significant manufacturing base with companies such as Iveco, Rolls Royce, and British Steel located here. Other key employers include the NHS, Wakefield Council, and the University of Leeds.

Wakefield is home to two major retail parks, Trinity Walk and Westgate Retail Park, which provide jobs in both retail and leisure as well as providing visitors with a great shopping experience. Tourism is an important part of the local economy and Wakefield Cathedral, the National Coal Mining Museum, and the Hepworth Wakefield are key attractions which help to draw in visitors from across the country.

In terms of employment, the unemployment rate in Wakefield is below the national average and employment levels remain at a similar rate to the rest of England. The city is home to a number of large employers and the local council is actively seeking to attract new businesses to the area.

Overall, Wakefield is a thriving city with a diverse mix of economic sectors and employment opportunities. The city is well-placed to benefit from the economic growth of the region and provides a great place to work and live.


Wakefield’s Population and Demographics

Wakefield is a city located in West Yorkshire, England. According to the 2019 United Kingdom Census, the population of Wakefield is 327,524. This makes Wakefield the fourth largest city in Yorkshire and the 24th most populous city in England.

In terms of demographics, Wakefield is a diverse city. According to the Office for National Statistics, the ethnic composition of Wakefield in 2018 was 88.1% White British, 6.3% Asian, 1.7% Mixed, 1.5% Black and 1.4% Other. In terms of religion, the majority of Wakefield’s population (64.6%) identified as Christian in 2011, with 22.6% stating they had no religion, 6.1% Muslim, 2.1% Sikh, 1.7% Hindu and 2.9% Other.

The median age of Wakefield’s population is 40.3, slightly higher than the England and Wales average of 39.3. The mean age of men in Wakefield is 39.5 and the mean age of women is 41.2. Life expectancy in Wakefield is 79.5 years for men and 83.1 years for women.

In terms of economic activity, 52.4% of Wakefield’s population aged 16-74 were employed in 2018, with 20.7% self-employed, 19.7% retired, 5.3% looking after home or family and 1.9% unemployed.


Cultural and Leisure Attractions in Wakefield

Wakefield, located in West Yorkshire, is a bustling town with many attractions that both locals and visitors can enjoy. Here is a selection of some of the cultural and leisure attractions that this town has to offer.


Museums

Wakefield Museum is located in the heart of the town and its displays tell the history of Wakefield over the last 2000 years. The museum holds local artefacts and art, alongside a library and archive collection. The Wakefield Art Gallery is also located in the same building, offering art exhibitions and workshops.


Theatre

Theatre Royal Wakefield has been entertaining the city since 1894, offering a variety of shows in the 890 seat auditorium. From pantomimes and musicals to comedy shows, there is something for everyone to enjoy.


Outdoor Spaces

Wakefield is home to a number of outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. Anglers Green is a nature reserve located just outside the city and is home to a variety of wildlife, such as birds and small mammals. Other popular outdoor spots include Clarence Park and Pugney’s Country Park.


Cinema

The Wakefield Odeon is the perfect place for a night out, with a range of films, snacks and drinks. The cinema is located in the centre of town and offers a seven-screen experience with RealD 3D, XPlus and wheelchair friendly spaces.


Sports

Wakefield is home to a number of sports clubs, offering everything from football and rugby to sailing and running clubs. There is a variety of sports clubs on offer, allowing both adults and children to take part in a range of activities.


Wakefield’s Transportation Infrastructure

Wakefield’s transportation infrastructure is highly developed and varied, providing many choices for both locals and visitors alike.


Public Transport

Wakefield is served by an extensive network of public transport, including buses, trams, and trains. Bus services in Wakefield are provided by several operators including First West Yorkshire, Stagecoach Yorkshire and Arriva Yorkshire. The city is also served by two tram lines – the Wakefield-Leeds Supertram and the Wakefield-Huddersfield Supertram – as well as regular train services to cities across the UK.


Cycling

Wakefield is an excellent city for cycling, with over 100 miles of cycle paths and dedicated cycle lanes. The city is home to several bike hire schemes, including the Wakefield Cycle Hire Scheme, which allows visitors to hire bikes from just £1.50 an hour.


Driving

Driving in Wakefield is relatively easy, with access to the M1, M62, and A1 motorways. There are also plenty of car parks in the city centre, with many offering free parking.


Taxi

Taxi services in Wakefield are provided by several local companies, including Wakefield Taxis, Wakefield Private Hire, and Wakefield Executive Cars. Taxis can be easily hailed on the street, or ordered in advance via phone or app.


In conclusion, Wakefield is a vibrant town in West Yorkshire, England, situated between Leeds and Sheffield. It is an area of historical significance and has many attractions for tourists and residents alike. The town is home to many different businesses, from start-ups to large corporations, and provides a strong economy for its residents. It is also home to a variety of green spaces, including Pugney’s Country Park, Sandal Castle, and Thornes Park. Wakefield has good transport links to other cities such as Leeds and Sheffield, making it an ideal location for those looking to commute or explore the area. Wakefield is a great place to live and work, and is a great place for anyone looking for an affordable and enjoyable lifestyle.

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