Wakefield Museums and Castles

The stunning cityscapes of Cynthia Kenny

Our special exhibition is about local artist Cynthia Kenny (1929 – 2021).

Explore Wakefield through her eyes. Enjoy her city skylines and rural landscapes. Discover hidden gems.

See how our city has changed over time. Build your own mini cityscape.

Cynthia Kenny: a city framed

Anglo-Saxon cross shaft

This carved stone cross is the first evidence of a settlement in Wakefield.

Admire the Anglo-Saxon craftsmanship. Discover Wakefield's early history.

(On loan courtesy of York Museums Trust)

Sandal Castle ring

Can you read the romantic message engraved in this 500 year old ring? Written in medieval French, it translates as 'I'm all yours.'

Gaze at this glittering love token. Discover other romantic gestures.

Cistercian ware: Reviving an ancient craft

Cistercian monks made these beautiful pots using local clay. Find out how they inspired artist Naomi Aderonke. She recreated their style in perfect miniature.

See examples from Sandal Castle. Discover other amazing finds from archaeological digs.

Wakefield Pride

Enjoy rainbow stripes from 20 years of Wakefield Pride.

The fabulous event celebrating LGBTQ+ culture was first held in the city in 2005.

It followed a long tradition of local communities coming together to speak out for a cause.

Victorian prison door

Put yourself behind bars! Imagine what life was like behind the heavy wooden doors of Wakefield Prison in the late 1800s.

Sing along to ‘Here we go around the mulberry bush’. The song is said to have been inspired by the Wakefield Prison yard.

Slazenger Challenge 4-star football

Did you know that the iconic footballs used in the 1966 World Cup came from Horbury? The Slazenger factory team hand-stitched all the balls for the tournament.

See an example of the ball and the tools used to make it.

Find out about the other famous sports equipment invented and made in Horbury.

Wakefield Trinity rugby league shirt

See a piece of sporting history from Wakefield Trinity’s golden era!

Can you spot the mud and blood stains on this match-worn shirt?

It is from the club's famous Challenge Cup final victory in 1963.

First World War wristwatch

Take a close look at Captain R. Ede England's watch.

He kept it stopped at 7:48am, the exact time he took his men over the top on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. 

Captain England was part of the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.

Find out more about Wakefield's contribution to the war effort.

The Cribs guitar

Wakefield is proud to be ‘Home of The Cribs’, the award-winning indie rock band.

Frontman Ryan Jarman played this guitar all around the world.

Marvel at the Merrie City's musical heritage.

Nelson model locomotive

Be impressed by the skill of Wakefield's craftspeople.

In 1865 the city held its own Great Exhibition of art and industry to showcase local talent.

This model engine made by a plumber won a first class medal.

Stanley Ferry Viking log boat

Head upstairs to Wakefield Library to see Britain's only known Anglo-Scandinavian boat. It was discovered beneath the bed of the River Calder.

Study this unique find. Step back in time to when Vikings and Anglo Saxons fought for control of northern England.

(On loan courtesy of York Museums Trust)