Castleford

Castleford is a town in the county of West Yorkshire, England, near to Pontefract, with a population of approximately 40,000. To the north are the River Calder, the River Aire and the Aire and Calder Navigation. To the west and south is the M62 motorway.

History

Castleford is built upon the site of a Roman army settlement that was named Lagentium or Legioleum. The modern name of the town is derived from the fort, Castle (referring to the fort) and Ford (referring to the River Aire which runs through Castleford.)

Related Topics:
Roman army - Lagentium

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Castleford started as a quiet village, but between 1811 and 1891, its population increased from 890 to 14,143, due to the Industrial Revolution. Many people worked in coal mines and in the glass-making, chemical and textile industries. Castleford Pottery is still famous amongst avid collectors.

Related Topics:
1811 - 1891 - Industrial Revolution

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The sculptor Henry Moore was born in Castleford, the son of a miner; some of his work can be seen at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park at Bretton.

Related Topics:
Sculptor - Henry Moore - Yorkshire Sculpture Park - Bretton

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