Pontefract

I recently went with a friend to Pontefract for the first time, to see a photography exhibition. Pontefract is a historic market town near Wakefield, about an hour's drive from Saltaire. I didn't know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised by the buildings and layout, if not by the obvious impoverishment in the centre. The town grew up at a crossing point of the River Aire. It has a castle (which I didn't see as time was limited) and a nice open town centre around the historic market hall. In recent years it has suffered, like so many local places, due to the closure of all the local coal mines, which brought high unemployment. It's famous for growing liquorice to make 'Pontefract Cake' sweets, and I believe sweets are still produced there, in two factories. 

The church of St Giles, in the market square, is one of two parish churches in the town, built in the 18th century with a rather fine tower. 

I noticed one or two painted murals around the streets, like the one below that clearly stemmed from the Covid lockdown period: 'Though we're apart, you're always in my heart'. I read that the murals were created by a local artist, Rachel List. I was intrigued by the name of the alley: Ducks and Green Pease Row - hinting at the wealth of history in the town. 

More history was suggested by the numbers of pubs and former pubs around the centre. Our town centres are changing fast and many pubs and shops are closing, a trend exacerbated by the long-term downturn that Covid caused and the current cost of living crisis. The sad atmosphere of our towns isn't confined to the North of England by any means, but you can't help but notice it. We looked long and hard even to find a coffee shop open but when we did come across one, it was very pleasant and welcoming.