Pictures of Castleford

About Castleford

This is a large Northern town with roots stretching back to the Romans and beyond, as proven by the recent finding of a Bronze Age male skeleton and his chariot. One can assume because of the chariot the man was of some importance. The finds were discovered in a local wooded area, other notable remains have usually come from the town centre, once the site of the Roman Fort of Lagentium. This site was originally identified by the 16th century antiquarian, William Camden and was later reported upon by William Stukeley who visited Castleford early in the 18th century.

Castleford is a busy town, it came to the fore during the Industrial Revolution, its prosperity was further enabled by the Aire and Calder Canal, and the Railways. The working canal boats have long since disappeared to be replaced by painted narrow boats and pleasure cruisers, for the waters ringing Castleford are now the place for leisure and pleasure. Tow-paths provide picturesque walking regions, flanked by water meadows filled with habitats for wildlife.

Another pleasant area in the town is Queen's Park. This was formerly known as Victoria Park and can be found at the top of Ferrybridge Road. It has picturesque flower beds flanking spacious lawns, pleasant paths to wander and in the summer months folk from all around are attracted to the musical concerts performed on the park's bandstand. From certain areas of the park there are good views over the rooftops of the town.

Castleford has all the normal shopping facilities expected of a large town, together with a good selection of hotels, inns and restaurants. It is within easy reach of Pontefract where there is a race-course, and not too far distant from Wakefield and the city of Leeds, both of which offer historic cathedral's, museums, interesting galleries and other pleasurable places. Just to the south of Castleford you can find Nostell Priory, a National Trust property, and to the north close to South Milton you can find Seeton Hall Gatehouse.