As well as being a centre for trade, with large livestock, corn and cattle markets, Wakefield was once an inland port, originally navigable to the east coast and then later, thanks to the canal system, to the west coast. Wakefield was also a centre for administration (as the former ‘capital’ of the West Riding), and the textile industry. On our walk, we will look at some of the features of the Wakefield Waterfront area, including refurbished mill buildings, and modern housing and office blocks.
Our guide on this visit will be local resident Kevin Trickett MBE, President of Wakefield Civic Society and author of four books on the city’s architectural history. The waterfront and mills walk will take approximately 90 minutes.
For anyone wishing to continue their exploration of Wakefield, Kevin will lead the group up to the centre to show some of the more interesting architecture. Time will be allowed for people to buy lunch at one of the many cafés and restaurants to be found in the centre near to the Cathedral. This part of the walk will end at around 3pm.
Our meeting point for the walk will be the courtyard at Tileyard North (by the chimney), Tootal Street/Barnsley Road, Wakefield, WF1 5FY. There is a free city bus running between the bus and train stations to The Hepworth that runs every 10 minutes or so throughout the day.
Tickets: £5 members £10 non-members