The district is steeped in history, with celebrity visits, an influence on popular culture and notable battles.
Here are 12 fascinating facts about Wakefield that you may not know.
9. Wacca’s Field
It‘ is‘ thought that Wakefield’s name is derived from ‘Wacca’s Field’ in Old English. This could mean it was owned by someone named "Waca" or could have evolved from the Old English word wacu, meaning "a watch or wake", and feld, an open field in which a wake or festival was held. Photo: Google Maps
10. Wakefield Trinity
Wakefield Trinity were formed in 1873 by a group of men from Holy Trinity Church. This team was one of the original 22 clubs that broke away to form the Northern Union in 1895 after meeting in Huddersfield. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
11. Nursey Rhymes
Two children's nursery rhymes with Wakefield connections are "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush" which may have been sung by women inmates at Wakefield prison. and "The Grand Old Duke of York" which may allude to the Battle of Wakefield in 1460, referring to Richard Plantagenet, the third Duke of York. Photo: Google Maps