Wakefield is a city and metropolitan borough in the West Yorkshire. It resides on the River Calder and the eastern side of the Pennines. According to the census 2011, the population of the city is nearly about 99,251. Wakefield city involves various smaller town and rural areas. Wakefield traded in coal mining, textiles and corn during the 18th century. From 1889 to 1974 Wakefield city became the county town of the West Riding County Council and later of West Yorkshire from 1974. The city is 45 km southwest of York and 14 km southeast of Leeds. Wakefield lies in the middle of sandstones and coal measures. The city of Wakefield comes in the area of Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire coalfield. It also includes the outlying villages of Thornes, Sandal Magna, Flanshaw, Alverthorpe etc.
Governance
After the Reforms Act 1832, Wakefield city became a parliamentary borough with one Member of Parliament. Under the municipal corporation's act 1835, the town of Wakefield was incorporated as a municipal borough. In 1913, it became a county borough, and in 1974 the county borough became invalid under the Local Government Act 1972 as to become the city of Wakefield district it merged with surrounding local authorities.
Wakefield south, north, east and west are four electoral wards of the Wakefield metropolitan district council that covers the Wakefield city. Three councillors are elected by three wards. Councillors elected in the year 2015 for Wakefield north, east and west were from the Labour Party.
Transport
Wakefield Westgate is the central railway station of the city. Trains run on an hourly basis to Newcastle, York, Durham, Sheffield, Birmingham and many other places. For serving this main railway station, a metro rail network was built Wakefield Kirkgate.
The city has significant bestride Wakefield district such as rugby goalpost (M1 on the western edge, M62 as the cross-bar and A1 on the eastern edge). It is the beginning point of the A650 and A636 roads. It is crossed by the A61, A642 and A638 roads.
The closest airport to the Wakefield city is Leeds Bradford Airport. This airport is a good choice for Amsterdam, Paris, and Dusseldorf and also for the most distant United Kingdom cities. For flights beyond the Europe, Manchester Airport is considered as the best airport. Manchester airport is simple to reach by train.
Education
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School established by Queen Elizabeth I in 1591 is the oldest school in the city. Governors of Wakefield Charities has the responsibility to administer the school. Some other schools in the city are ST Austin’s Catholic School (opened in 1838), Methodist School (opened in 1846), St John’s (opened in 1861) and St Mary’s (opened in 1840).
The major provider of higher education and 6th form in the city is Wakefield College. There are nearly about 13,000 students in the college including both full-time and part-time students. Cathedral High School, Wakefield High School and QEGS are some 6th forms schools.
Attractions
In Wakefield city, an art gallery The Hepworth Wakefield was opened in the year 2011. It is a spacious and innovative modern gallery. It has six contemporary art exhibition rooms, a café and a shop. Another visitor attraction is Sandal Castle in Sandal Magna. It was the site of royal intrigue. Wakefield city has a local museum “Wakefield Museum” covering the history of the town. Vintage outfits are available to attract children. Visitors can explore the world of Charles Waterton, who is the creator of the world’s first nature reserve.
