Wakefield Museums and Castles
@wakefieldmuseums.bsky.social
Wakefield Council Museums and Castles team. Follow us for news about our museums and castles across the district and stories from our collections.
We're extinguishing #BlueMonday with this Harden Star Bristol Blue Glass hand grenade!
A warden would have thrown this into a fire. The glass grenade would shatter and release chemicals to put out the flames.
They were first used in the 1800s, but still popular well into the 1900s.
A warden would have thrown this into a fire. The glass grenade would shatter and release chemicals to put out the flames.
They were first used in the 1800s, but still popular well into the 1900s.
January 19, 2026 at 11:51 AM
We're extinguishing #BlueMonday with this Harden Star Bristol Blue Glass hand grenade!
A warden would have thrown this into a fire. The glass grenade would shatter and release chemicals to put out the flames.
They were first used in the 1800s, but still popular well into the 1900s.
A warden would have thrown this into a fire. The glass grenade would shatter and release chemicals to put out the flames.
They were first used in the 1800s, but still popular well into the 1900s.
It's apparently #NationalAppreciateADragonDay!
So we're sharing the love for Pontefract Castle's mascot Ilbert the Dragon 🐉💜
Ilbert is named after Ilbert de Lacy, the founder of Pontefract Castle. Ilbert is yellow and purple to match the coat of arms of John de Lacy.
So we're sharing the love for Pontefract Castle's mascot Ilbert the Dragon 🐉💜
Ilbert is named after Ilbert de Lacy, the founder of Pontefract Castle. Ilbert is yellow and purple to match the coat of arms of John de Lacy.
January 16, 2026 at 12:07 PM
It's apparently #NationalAppreciateADragonDay!
So we're sharing the love for Pontefract Castle's mascot Ilbert the Dragon 🐉💜
Ilbert is named after Ilbert de Lacy, the founder of Pontefract Castle. Ilbert is yellow and purple to match the coat of arms of John de Lacy.
So we're sharing the love for Pontefract Castle's mascot Ilbert the Dragon 🐉💜
Ilbert is named after Ilbert de Lacy, the founder of Pontefract Castle. Ilbert is yellow and purple to match the coat of arms of John de Lacy.
Today's @artukdotorg.bsky.social #OnlineArtExchange theme is bold and colourful art 🌈
This is 'The Counting House', Helen Briggs (2005).
This is an iconic building in Pontefract, captured in vivid technicolour.
See this and many more in Picturing Pontefract, opening at Pontefract Museum 2 Feb!
This is 'The Counting House', Helen Briggs (2005).
This is an iconic building in Pontefract, captured in vivid technicolour.
See this and many more in Picturing Pontefract, opening at Pontefract Museum 2 Feb!
January 15, 2026 at 10:35 AM
Today's @artukdotorg.bsky.social #OnlineArtExchange theme is bold and colourful art 🌈
This is 'The Counting House', Helen Briggs (2005).
This is an iconic building in Pontefract, captured in vivid technicolour.
See this and many more in Picturing Pontefract, opening at Pontefract Museum 2 Feb!
This is 'The Counting House', Helen Briggs (2005).
This is an iconic building in Pontefract, captured in vivid technicolour.
See this and many more in Picturing Pontefract, opening at Pontefract Museum 2 Feb!
Want an easy New Year's resolution you'll actually keep? 👀
Visit more Museums and Castles!
Find your next adventure at Wakefield Museum, Pontefract Castle, Pontefract Museum, Castleford Museum and Sandal Castle.
Free entry all year round.
More info: wmandc.co
Visit more Museums and Castles!
Find your next adventure at Wakefield Museum, Pontefract Castle, Pontefract Museum, Castleford Museum and Sandal Castle.
Free entry all year round.
More info: wmandc.co
January 8, 2026 at 10:18 AM
Want an easy New Year's resolution you'll actually keep? 👀
Visit more Museums and Castles!
Find your next adventure at Wakefield Museum, Pontefract Castle, Pontefract Museum, Castleford Museum and Sandal Castle.
Free entry all year round.
More info: wmandc.co
Visit more Museums and Castles!
Find your next adventure at Wakefield Museum, Pontefract Castle, Pontefract Museum, Castleford Museum and Sandal Castle.
Free entry all year round.
More info: wmandc.co
Everywhere seems to have #snow apart from Wakefield... ❄🌨
So don't mind us, we'll be sulking in the winter wonderland of Cynthia Kenny: a city framed at Wakefield Museum.
Can we be invited to Snow Day next time please? 😭
So don't mind us, we'll be sulking in the winter wonderland of Cynthia Kenny: a city framed at Wakefield Museum.
Can we be invited to Snow Day next time please? 😭
January 7, 2026 at 10:50 AM
Everywhere seems to have #snow apart from Wakefield... ❄🌨
So don't mind us, we'll be sulking in the winter wonderland of Cynthia Kenny: a city framed at Wakefield Museum.
Can we be invited to Snow Day next time please? 😭
So don't mind us, we'll be sulking in the winter wonderland of Cynthia Kenny: a city framed at Wakefield Museum.
Can we be invited to Snow Day next time please? 😭
Rise and shine 🌄
This stunning sunrise was captured by our Site Officer Joe at Pontefract Castle!
It's a lovely reminder that the days are slowly starting to get longer.
Have you seen any spectacular sunrises or sunsets recently?
#Sunrise #PontefractCastle
This stunning sunrise was captured by our Site Officer Joe at Pontefract Castle!
It's a lovely reminder that the days are slowly starting to get longer.
Have you seen any spectacular sunrises or sunsets recently?
#Sunrise #PontefractCastle
January 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Rise and shine 🌄
This stunning sunrise was captured by our Site Officer Joe at Pontefract Castle!
It's a lovely reminder that the days are slowly starting to get longer.
Have you seen any spectacular sunrises or sunsets recently?
#Sunrise #PontefractCastle
This stunning sunrise was captured by our Site Officer Joe at Pontefract Castle!
It's a lovely reminder that the days are slowly starting to get longer.
Have you seen any spectacular sunrises or sunsets recently?
#Sunrise #PontefractCastle
Our incredible #Medieval Herb Garden volunteers have done it - they've published a whole year of blogs! 🌱🏰
Discover a different plant of the week for a whole year.
Explore handy gardening tips, facts and folklore about our fantastic flora.
Browse them all at wmandc.co/herbs
#MedievalHistory
Discover a different plant of the week for a whole year.
Explore handy gardening tips, facts and folklore about our fantastic flora.
Browse them all at wmandc.co/herbs
#MedievalHistory
January 6, 2026 at 10:46 AM
Our incredible #Medieval Herb Garden volunteers have done it - they've published a whole year of blogs! 🌱🏰
Discover a different plant of the week for a whole year.
Explore handy gardening tips, facts and folklore about our fantastic flora.
Browse them all at wmandc.co/herbs
#MedievalHistory
Discover a different plant of the week for a whole year.
Explore handy gardening tips, facts and folklore about our fantastic flora.
Browse them all at wmandc.co/herbs
#MedievalHistory
5) Common holly leaves are oval, leathery and shiny.
In the young tree and the lower limbs of older trees, the leaves have three to five sharp spines on each side.
Hence why you can see both spiky and rounded leaves on holly plants!
More facts on our blog wmandc.co/holly
(5 / 5)
In the young tree and the lower limbs of older trees, the leaves have three to five sharp spines on each side.
Hence why you can see both spiky and rounded leaves on holly plants!
More facts on our blog wmandc.co/holly
(5 / 5)
December 19, 2025 at 11:58 AM
5) Common holly leaves are oval, leathery and shiny.
In the young tree and the lower limbs of older trees, the leaves have three to five sharp spines on each side.
Hence why you can see both spiky and rounded leaves on holly plants!
More facts on our blog wmandc.co/holly
(5 / 5)
In the young tree and the lower limbs of older trees, the leaves have three to five sharp spines on each side.
Hence why you can see both spiky and rounded leaves on holly plants!
More facts on our blog wmandc.co/holly
(5 / 5)
4) The common holly is dioecious (meaning that there are separate male and female plants).
Fruit is only produced on female holly plants.
The male and female plants also produce different types of flowers. Male holly plants have yellowish flowers. Female ones have white / pink flowers.
(4 / 5)
Fruit is only produced on female holly plants.
The male and female plants also produce different types of flowers. Male holly plants have yellowish flowers. Female ones have white / pink flowers.
(4 / 5)
December 19, 2025 at 11:58 AM
4) The common holly is dioecious (meaning that there are separate male and female plants).
Fruit is only produced on female holly plants.
The male and female plants also produce different types of flowers. Male holly plants have yellowish flowers. Female ones have white / pink flowers.
(4 / 5)
Fruit is only produced on female holly plants.
The male and female plants also produce different types of flowers. Male holly plants have yellowish flowers. Female ones have white / pink flowers.
(4 / 5)
3) Early Christians also adopted this custom. Christian mythology states that the holly first sprang up under the footsteps of Jesus. It says that the red berries represented His blood.
In old church calendars Christmas Eve was marked 'templa exornantur' (when churches are decked).
(3 / 5)
In old church calendars Christmas Eve was marked 'templa exornantur' (when churches are decked).
(3 / 5)
December 19, 2025 at 11:58 AM
3) Early Christians also adopted this custom. Christian mythology states that the holly first sprang up under the footsteps of Jesus. It says that the red berries represented His blood.
In old church calendars Christmas Eve was marked 'templa exornantur' (when churches are decked).
(3 / 5)
In old church calendars Christmas Eve was marked 'templa exornantur' (when churches are decked).
(3 / 5)
2) Holly has been used in wintertime decorations since at least ancient Rome.
The Romans sent evergreen boughs and gifts to their friends during the winter festival of Saturnalia.
Pictured: 'Saturnalia' by Antoine-François Callet (1783)
(2 / 5)
The Romans sent evergreen boughs and gifts to their friends during the winter festival of Saturnalia.
Pictured: 'Saturnalia' by Antoine-François Callet (1783)
(2 / 5)
December 19, 2025 at 11:58 AM
2) Holly has been used in wintertime decorations since at least ancient Rome.
The Romans sent evergreen boughs and gifts to their friends during the winter festival of Saturnalia.
Pictured: 'Saturnalia' by Antoine-François Callet (1783)
(2 / 5)
The Romans sent evergreen boughs and gifts to their friends during the winter festival of Saturnalia.
Pictured: 'Saturnalia' by Antoine-François Callet (1783)
(2 / 5)
Fancy some fun festive facts about holly from our Medieval Herb Garden volunteers?
Of course you do!
1) Did you know that this big, beautiful plant overlooking the Medieval Herb Garden at Pontefract Castle is our holly tree?
Holly can grow as tall as 25 m / 80 ft!
(1 / 5)
Of course you do!
1) Did you know that this big, beautiful plant overlooking the Medieval Herb Garden at Pontefract Castle is our holly tree?
Holly can grow as tall as 25 m / 80 ft!
(1 / 5)
December 19, 2025 at 11:58 AM
Fancy some fun festive facts about holly from our Medieval Herb Garden volunteers?
Of course you do!
1) Did you know that this big, beautiful plant overlooking the Medieval Herb Garden at Pontefract Castle is our holly tree?
Holly can grow as tall as 25 m / 80 ft!
(1 / 5)
Of course you do!
1) Did you know that this big, beautiful plant overlooking the Medieval Herb Garden at Pontefract Castle is our holly tree?
Holly can grow as tall as 25 m / 80 ft!
(1 / 5)
Today's @artukdotorg.bsky.social #OnlineArtExchange is Christmas!
We've just updated Cynthia Kenny: a city framed at Wakefield Museum with new wonderful wintry scenes.
It includes stunning seasonal pieces like this one - 'Winter Morning, Landscape, Crofton' (1979).
We've just updated Cynthia Kenny: a city framed at Wakefield Museum with new wonderful wintry scenes.
It includes stunning seasonal pieces like this one - 'Winter Morning, Landscape, Crofton' (1979).
December 18, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Today's @artukdotorg.bsky.social #OnlineArtExchange is Christmas!
We've just updated Cynthia Kenny: a city framed at Wakefield Museum with new wonderful wintry scenes.
It includes stunning seasonal pieces like this one - 'Winter Morning, Landscape, Crofton' (1979).
We've just updated Cynthia Kenny: a city framed at Wakefield Museum with new wonderful wintry scenes.
It includes stunning seasonal pieces like this one - 'Winter Morning, Landscape, Crofton' (1979).
What's in our Collections Christmas stocking? 🎁👀
We've had a festive frolic around our collections to find some traditional stocking fillers!
We've had a festive frolic around our collections to find some traditional stocking fillers!
December 16, 2025 at 11:32 AM
What's in our Collections Christmas stocking? 🎁👀
We've had a festive frolic around our collections to find some traditional stocking fillers!
We've had a festive frolic around our collections to find some traditional stocking fillers!
Pfft, who wants cute when you can have dead birds?
*coughs up furball*
*coughs up furball*
December 10, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Pfft, who wants cute when you can have dead birds?
*coughs up furball*
*coughs up furball*
December 4, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Today's @artukdotorg.bsky.social #OnlineArtExchange theme is 'the natural world' 🌍
Our A World of Good gallery celebrates the creation of the world's first nature reserve here in Wakefield by Charles Waterton in the 1820s.
It features beautiful paper sculptures by local artist Andy Singleton 🐦
Our A World of Good gallery celebrates the creation of the world's first nature reserve here in Wakefield by Charles Waterton in the 1820s.
It features beautiful paper sculptures by local artist Andy Singleton 🐦
December 4, 2025 at 9:52 AM
Today's @artukdotorg.bsky.social #OnlineArtExchange theme is 'the natural world' 🌍
Our A World of Good gallery celebrates the creation of the world's first nature reserve here in Wakefield by Charles Waterton in the 1820s.
It features beautiful paper sculptures by local artist Andy Singleton 🐦
Our A World of Good gallery celebrates the creation of the world's first nature reserve here in Wakefield by Charles Waterton in the 1820s.
It features beautiful paper sculptures by local artist Andy Singleton 🐦
Today's @artukdotorg.bsky.social #OnlineArtExchange is celebrating #MuseumShopSunday!
Our Gift Shop at Pontefract Castle is stocked with loads of lovely stocking fillers, for little kids and big kids alike.
We've got gorgeous custom Christmas cards by Helen Cash-Blackmore as well. 🎄🎁
Our Gift Shop at Pontefract Castle is stocked with loads of lovely stocking fillers, for little kids and big kids alike.
We've got gorgeous custom Christmas cards by Helen Cash-Blackmore as well. 🎄🎁
November 27, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Today's @artukdotorg.bsky.social #OnlineArtExchange is celebrating #MuseumShopSunday!
Our Gift Shop at Pontefract Castle is stocked with loads of lovely stocking fillers, for little kids and big kids alike.
We've got gorgeous custom Christmas cards by Helen Cash-Blackmore as well. 🎄🎁
Our Gift Shop at Pontefract Castle is stocked with loads of lovely stocking fillers, for little kids and big kids alike.
We've got gorgeous custom Christmas cards by Helen Cash-Blackmore as well. 🎄🎁
Today's @artukdotorg.bsky.social #OnlineArtExchange is photographic portraiture!
On display in Create Café is 'Polonia Wakefield'. These portraits by Mark Newton are a snapshot of Wakefield's proud Polish community.
Meet the champion boxer, the antiques shop owner, the beautician and many others.
On display in Create Café is 'Polonia Wakefield'. These portraits by Mark Newton are a snapshot of Wakefield's proud Polish community.
Meet the champion boxer, the antiques shop owner, the beautician and many others.
November 13, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Today's @artukdotorg.bsky.social #OnlineArtExchange is photographic portraiture!
On display in Create Café is 'Polonia Wakefield'. These portraits by Mark Newton are a snapshot of Wakefield's proud Polish community.
Meet the champion boxer, the antiques shop owner, the beautician and many others.
On display in Create Café is 'Polonia Wakefield'. These portraits by Mark Newton are a snapshot of Wakefield's proud Polish community.
Meet the champion boxer, the antiques shop owner, the beautician and many others.
This #RemembranceSunday, we're remembering and giving thanks to all who served.
George Kellett was a WW1 soldier from Wakefield. He kept a diary during 1918.
Explore George's diary at https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/kellett
Discover what life was like in the trenches for a local lad.
George Kellett was a WW1 soldier from Wakefield. He kept a diary during 1918.
Explore George's diary at https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/kellett
Discover what life was like in the trenches for a local lad.
November 9, 2025 at 10:35 AM
This #RemembranceSunday, we're remembering and giving thanks to all who served.
George Kellett was a WW1 soldier from Wakefield. He kept a diary during 1918.
Explore George's diary at https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/kellett
Discover what life was like in the trenches for a local lad.
George Kellett was a WW1 soldier from Wakefield. He kept a diary during 1918.
Explore George's diary at https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/kellett
Discover what life was like in the trenches for a local lad.
November 7, 2025 at 9:35 AM
Happy #Halloween! 🎃 These witch balls were made in Castleford in the late 1800s. 🧙♀️
Traditionally, people would hang witch balls in the window to ward off evil spirits.
It was thought that the spirits were attracted by their reflection or patterns. The spirits would then become trapped in the ball.
Traditionally, people would hang witch balls in the window to ward off evil spirits.
It was thought that the spirits were attracted by their reflection or patterns. The spirits would then become trapped in the ball.
October 31, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Happy #Halloween! 🎃 These witch balls were made in Castleford in the late 1800s. 🧙♀️
Traditionally, people would hang witch balls in the window to ward off evil spirits.
It was thought that the spirits were attracted by their reflection or patterns. The spirits would then become trapped in the ball.
Traditionally, people would hang witch balls in the window to ward off evil spirits.
It was thought that the spirits were attracted by their reflection or patterns. The spirits would then become trapped in the ball.
This whisky bottle was the last one made at Castleford's Breffit and Co. It closed in 1926 due to the General Strike.
Glassmakers earned more than other trades. But, their working conditions were hard.
Factory owners tried to cut costs by replacing workers with machinery. This led to unemployment.
Glassmakers earned more than other trades. But, their working conditions were hard.
Factory owners tried to cut costs by replacing workers with machinery. This led to unemployment.
October 24, 2025 at 9:36 AM
This whisky bottle was the last one made at Castleford's Breffit and Co. It closed in 1926 due to the General Strike.
Glassmakers earned more than other trades. But, their working conditions were hard.
Factory owners tried to cut costs by replacing workers with machinery. This led to unemployment.
Glassmakers earned more than other trades. But, their working conditions were hard.
Factory owners tried to cut costs by replacing workers with machinery. This led to unemployment.
Today's @artukdotorg.bsky.social #OnlineArtExchange is Autumn.
This page from Albert Wainwright's sketchbook features several mini landscape scenes. It includes one he captioned 'Autumn Fires'.
Wainwright (1898-1943) was an influential artist from Castleford.
Learn more: bit.ly/AWainwright
This page from Albert Wainwright's sketchbook features several mini landscape scenes. It includes one he captioned 'Autumn Fires'.
Wainwright (1898-1943) was an influential artist from Castleford.
Learn more: bit.ly/AWainwright
October 23, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Today's @artukdotorg.bsky.social #OnlineArtExchange is Autumn.
This page from Albert Wainwright's sketchbook features several mini landscape scenes. It includes one he captioned 'Autumn Fires'.
Wainwright (1898-1943) was an influential artist from Castleford.
Learn more: bit.ly/AWainwright
This page from Albert Wainwright's sketchbook features several mini landscape scenes. It includes one he captioned 'Autumn Fires'.
Wainwright (1898-1943) was an influential artist from Castleford.
Learn more: bit.ly/AWainwright
Wakefield Museum has increased in size by 10%... our new A World of Good gallery is now open! 🌍
In the 1800s Charles Waterton created the world’s first nature park at his home near Wakefield.
Artist Andy Singleton has brought it back to life with beautiful paper sculptures.
Info: bit.ly/NewAWOG
In the 1800s Charles Waterton created the world’s first nature park at his home near Wakefield.
Artist Andy Singleton has brought it back to life with beautiful paper sculptures.
Info: bit.ly/NewAWOG
October 22, 2025 at 11:03 AM
Wakefield Museum has increased in size by 10%... our new A World of Good gallery is now open! 🌍
In the 1800s Charles Waterton created the world’s first nature park at his home near Wakefield.
Artist Andy Singleton has brought it back to life with beautiful paper sculptures.
Info: bit.ly/NewAWOG
In the 1800s Charles Waterton created the world’s first nature park at his home near Wakefield.
Artist Andy Singleton has brought it back to life with beautiful paper sculptures.
Info: bit.ly/NewAWOG