Pontefract Castle and Pontefract Museum expert talks

$The remains of the bakehouse and brewhouse at Pontefract Castle$

Pontefract Castle and Pontefract Museum expert talks

Private talks at Pontefract Castle or Pontefract Museum, during opening hours, are free! (Booking still required)

A private talk out of hours, or at your venue, costs £90.

All talks last approximately 1 hour. All bookings are subject to availability of our team and venues.

Please note: this information is for private groups looking to book a talk. For our upcoming public talks, head to our What's On page.

Here's a list of talks currently available to book for private groups at Pontefract Castle and Pontefract Museum. All of our talks can also be adapted for delivery at your own venue.

A pile of gold and silver coins from the 1600s

The Ackworth Hoard

Most suited to: Pontefract Museum or at your venue.

A hoard of gold and silver coins was discovered in Ackworth. They were buried during the English Civil Wars. There was also a sentimental gold ring.

But who buried the coins, and why?

This talk shares some of our possible theories on this fascinating snapshot from history.

Talks held at Pontefract Museum mean you get to see the glittering hoard in person.

Front cover of the Potwallopers comic, with various quarelling characters from the first secret by-election

Potwallopers: Pontefract's secret ballot

Most suited to: Pontefract Museum or at your venue

It’s August 1872 and all eyes are on Pontefract. It’s election time but you wouldn’t know it. There’s no rioting, no fighting and hardly any drinking. The only person shouting is the Mayor. That’s because he has to organise the first ever British election by secret ballot.

This talk reveals how an eventful Pontefract by-election pioneered the voting method we still use today.

See an original ballot box from the election in talks at Pontefract Museum. Look out for its unique wax seal with a sweet local twist. Pick up a copy of our special Potwallopers comic!

$The remains of the keep and curtain wall at Pontefract Castle$

The History of Pontefract Castle

Most suited to: Pontefract Castle or at your venue

Explore 1000 years of history in this illustrated talk about the history of Pontefract Castle.

From Saxon royal palace, via medieval castle. To civil war battleground and the present day. Pontefract Castle was founded by Ilbert de Lacy in around 1086. It was the centre of political events right up to its destruction after the English Civil Wars.

This talk charts the events that place Pontefract at the centre of current affairs.

This talk would be perfect to pair with our private Dungeon Tour!

$The entrance to the sallyport at Pontefract Castle$

Myths and legends of Pontefract Castle

Most suited to: Pontefract Castle or at your venue

Rumours and myths abound about Pontefract Castle.

In this intriguing talk you can discover which of the many stories surrounding the castle are actually true. Dig into stories you know well - and some you potentially don't!

From tunnels to the crown jewels hidden in the well, there are many stories connected to the castle. Most have at least a grain of truth to them!

Here we unpick the truth to discover what lies behind these myths and legends.

Why not combine this talk with a private guided tour for your group?

$The remains of the bakehouse and brewhouse at Pontefract Castle$

Pontefract Castle: if these walls could talk

Most suited to: Pontefract Castle or at your venue

Pontefract Castle was once a mighty and important fortress. The ruins that survive today hint at its former glory.

What can these ruins tell us about their past? This talk shows you how to read the ruins. Learn how to spot interesting features that you might otherwise miss.

Why not also book your group onto one of our private guided tours to complete your visit?