Wakefield factfile

How to get to Wakefield
Wakefield is situated by the River Calder in West Yorkshire. The city can be found at the heart of the UK's motorway network (near the M1).

Wakefield through the ages
Wakefield can trace its history back until at least Roman times. In the Middle Ages it was dubbed the "Merrie City". During the Wars of the Roses in 1460, The Duke of York was defeated at the Battle of Wakefield.

The town flourished as a centre for cloth-making, and in the 18th and 19th centuries there were thriving textile and glass industries, collieries and engineering works. Wakefield grew rapidly in the 20th century, absorbing surrounding villages like Belle Vue and Sandal Magna.

Eating and drinking in Wakefield
Wakefield is known as the capital of the Rhubarb Triangle. Until a few decades ago, this small triangle of land in West Yorkshire accounted for 90 per cent of the world's forced rhubarb production. The Wakefield Festival of Food, Drink and Rhubarb takes place each Spring, featuring celebrity chefs, cookery demonstrations, tasting and events.

Famous people from Wakefield
Notable natives include footballer Lee Briscoe, author and Bridget Jones creator Helen Fielding, playwright David Mercer and sculptor Henry Moore. Indie punk band The Cribs are also from Wakefield.

Things to see and do around Wakefield
Pugneys Country Park used to be a mine and quarry. It has two lakes: one for water sports and one that's a nature reserve and home to a flock of swans.

At the National Coal Mining Museum visitors can go on underground tours and get a glimpse into the dark world of coal mining.

Famous landmarks in Wakefield
The town's magnificent cathedral dominates the city centre with its 75 m (246 ft) high spire. The 14th-century building stands on the site of a Saxon church.

The ruins of Sandal Castle, thought to have been built in 1138, can be seen on the outskirts of the city. The castle's last royal resident was Richard III.

Arts and culture in Wakefield
Yorkshire Sculpture Park is an open-air "gallery without walls", displaying works by UK and international artists.

Wakefield's claim to fame
The nursery rhyme The Grand Old Duke of York is thought to be about the battle of Wakefield, referring to Richard, the Grand Old Duke.