Wakefield was an important market town in the Middle Ages and also the site of Sandal Castle. Its position as an inland port on the River Calder brought in wealth through trade in wool, cloth and grain. Coal mining became a major industry in the nineteenth century and the town became the administrative centre for the West Riding of Yorkshire, later gaining a cathedral and becoming a city. Wakefield’s history is reflected in its pubs, from Tudor and Stuart heritage to eighteenth century coaching inns such as the Stafford Arms and the Black Rock, birthplace of a bishop, to Victorian pubs and later, all part of the changing cityscape.In Wakefield Pubs, local author Paul L. Dawson takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the area’s watering holes, many of which have retained features and traditions of previous ages. Brimming with quirky tales and fascinating facts, this carefully crafted guide initiates readers into the fascinating history of Wakefield’s pubs.
