Wakefield Museums and Castles

Featherstone Library Museum Hub

Our changing displays at Featherstone Library tell local stories. From coal mining to rugby league and even knit and natter!

Our current display is 'Aladdin’s Cave: The Cliffe Collection'.

Step back in time to Miss Cliffe's draper shop at Featherstone Library. Discover a time capsule of working-class fashions.

(Photograph shared with thanks to Wakefield Libraries)

Find out more about Aladdin's Cave: The Cliffe Collection at Featherstone Library Museum Hub

Ossett Library Museum Hub

Ossett Library is home to our newest museum hub. It will celebrate what local people love about Ossett.

Our current display is 'Ah’ll race thee: Celebrating the Gawthorpe Coal Race'.

The Gawthorpe Coal Race started as a pub challenge in 1963. It is now a global sporting event. Athletes race to carry heavy sacks of coal from Ossett uphill to the finish line in Gawthorpe. Even Fury from BBC’s Gladiators has taken part!

Visit our opening hub display to find out more about this quirky and gruelling tradition.

(Photograph credit: Demon Wizard Photography)

Find out more about Ah’ll race thee: Celebrating the Gawthorpe Coal Race at Ossett Library Museum Hub

South Elmsall Library Museum Hub

Enjoy changing displays rooted in South Elmsall, South Kirkby and Upton. So far, we've had everything from mining to dolphin training!

Our current display is 'Production Park: Where Live Industry Lives'.

Production Park in South Kirkby is at the cutting edge of the live events industry. It welcomes some of the biggest stars from the world of entertainment. 

The team design and produce events that are broadcast, streamed and staged across the globe. 

See exciting items linked to the park’s superstar clients - from Katy Perry to Hugh Jackman! 

(Photograph credit: Nick Singleton)

Find out more about Production Park: Where Live Industry Lives at South Elmsall Library Museum Hub