Pictures of Featherstone

About Featherstone

Featherstone is a large town lying between Wakefield and Pontefract in West Yorkshire. For the past couple of centuries the town was known chiefly for its coal mines. It came to the fore during the miners' strike of 1893 when soldiers fired on striking miners killing two. This horrific act came to be known as "The Featherstone Massacre" and today a large sculpture marking the centenary of the killings, stands in the shopping precinct at the centre of the town.

At the crossroads of the town there is an interesting mural depicting the town's heritage. It's hey-day lies in the period covering the Industrial Revolution and the introduction of the railways, but the town's history extends beyond this. The Travellers Rest, a noted inn has its roots in the 17th century, and the Jubilee Hotel patronized by wealthy Victorians is now a listed building.

Featherstone is undergoing a period of change, gone are the old "pit" cottages, in their place is land covered with smart new housing and a new "state of the art" community centre has been built in Station Lane.

The "Green Lungs" of the town are found in Purston Park, a lovely tranquil oasis which was opened in 1950. This offers scope for recreation, with a lake, golfing, bowling greens and a children's play area.

Featherstone has plenty of shops, all the usual food stores are represented, with a few individual shops such as antiques and art. There are several churches, one a small chapel, is now an antique sale room! The town has a wide choice of pubs, restaurants, cafe's and tea-rooms, there are also take away's and fish 'n' chips. Sport is well provided for, this is the home of Featherstone Rovers Rugby League, and Pontefract racecourse is just a short distance away.