Wakefield, The Old Bridge And Chantry c.1955
Photo ref: W464021E
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More about this scene

The bridge over the River Calder is no longer the main arterial road from the south, having been superseded by the new bridge of 1933. This now protects St Mary's Chantry from worse pollution, and gives this haven a slightly more contemplative feel. The Chantry, now one of only four in the country, was built to offer comfort to travellers entering Wakefield from the south. It was licensed in 1356 and continued for worship until the Dissolution in 1548; by 1638 it was in a state of decay. A dealer in old clothes subsequently used it. The frontage was replaced in 1848, but being built of Caen stone, it succumbed to erosion and was later remodelled in local material. Its original front was re-erected in Kettlethorpe Hall, where it remains, in good order, at the end of the lake.

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A Selection of Memories from Wakefield

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. Here are some from Wakefield

Sparked a Memory for you?

If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?

I was brought up on Rufford Street and most children in the surrounding area played in Sparrow Park at the top of the street next to Beaumont's Farm , who delivered our milk daily measured into our own jug. The Park only had swings and a ranty but there was usually a rope swing on a tree by the beck where those daring enough to swing and let go might, or often not, clear the water and land on the far side of the beck. ...see more
I 'lived' in Clarence Park for years when I was a kid. It became my magic Kingdom! I knew every bush and tree and secret trail through the bushes. I would lurk in the bushes and spy on people walking past. I had a favourite tree - a huge beech next to the bowling green. I would climb high in it and sit quietly watching them bowl, hidden by dense leaves. I'd whistle and call to them and put them off ...see more
The Roundabout use to be a popular place for me to go, it was a public house just a short distance from the Wakefield Jail. I was somewhat surprised on chatting to one man at the bar (I was somewhat interested where he lived) he smiled in such a way that I found it hard to believe when he told me that he lived in the biggest mansion within the whole of Wakefield which had hundreds of rooms and big gate. He was ...see more
I have just been back to Wakefield for a short break. I knew what to expect before I set off. But still don't know whose idea it was to do away with the old Bull Ring which I thought made it look more like a city. Why take away such a good market? It was one of the best, plus the indoor where I used to buy my records in the 1970s. But overall I thought the place looked clean and tidy when I visited ...see more