Pontefract

The old medieval town of Pontefract in the county of West Yorkshire is home to one of the country’s most famous historical castles. Built shortly after the Conquest of 1066 by the Norman de Lacy family, Pomfret Castle is where Henry IV had the former king, Richard II detained and murdered. The castle was first constructed of wood, but was later replaced with stone. In 1311 the castle passed to the estates of the House of Lancaster and was again the site of another historic event when Thomas, Earl of Lancaster was beheaded 1322 after his defeat at the Battle of Boroughbridge. The earl became a martyr and his tomb at Pontefract Priory became a shrine. Pontefract is also famed for Pontefract cake; a traditional cake that is small, round, black, sweet and made of liquorice. There is an annual liquorice festival in Pontefract that is a popular event.

The market has been important to Pontefract since around the Middle Ages and the vibrant market continues on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There are plenty of shops, eateries, pubs and amenities here as well as a wealth of visitor and cultural attractions. There is even a racecourse; the Pontefract Racecourse is a thoroughbred horse racing venue and said to be one of the best appointed courses of its kind in the country.

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